I wanted to post this before going back to school. I move back into the dorms next Saturday, so if you don't see me for a little while, that's why.
Death Peak loomed over the barren landscape. The foreboding heights gave Mike some second thoughts about his journey. He dismissed them once a tall man approached him.
"Staniv sent you, correct? I'm Ivanov, the Sage of Reason. However, that title no longer serves any purpose."
"I guess not," Mike stated. "How do I get up this mountain?"
"I already undid its seal at Staniv's request. It's really slippery, so watch your step. Otherwise, I'll be scraping you off the ground with a putty knife. Once you reach the summit, use the Phoenix Egg that Staniv gave you."
"If there's no seal, then can I just go right now?" Mike asked.
"Oh, sure. Go ahead." Mike began to walk towards the mountain, but stopped when he heard one last comment from Ivanov.
"Even after I told him all that, he's still going up there? Some people never learn."
Mike shot him an icy glare before heading towards the base of the mountain.
***
Even though Mike had put on all the winter clothes he had borrowed from Taban, the biting cold wind still managed to make him shiver. Every part except his face was covered, but it would be amazing if he made it off the mountain without hypothermia or frostbite. He then thought of something he neglected to consider: how would he get Joel off the mountain? The snow was very beautiful, but its angelic white costume disguised its lethal force.
For every step Mike took, the ice made him slide two steps back. As he edged closer to the summit, the wind blew harder, sending the blowing snow into his eyes. The biting wind chilled him to the bone, and made his fingers go numb. When he reached a lone cedar tree, Mike stopped and pulled the egg out of his pocket. If he didn't do anything to warm himself up, he would be joining Joel on the other side very soon.
The egg sparkled, then floated out of Mike's hand. It levitated in the air for a few seconds before shattering.
There was nothing left for Mike to do. Joel was gone forever. Mike fell to his knees and pounded his fist on the ground while cursing under his breath.
It was ridiculous to think I could bring him back. Mike choked back a sob. A tear fell down his numb face, stinging his cheek. He resorted to the only thing he knew how to do at that point. He gazed up at the sky and began screaming at the top of his lungs, cursing the divine beings that had given him all his false hope. There was no response except for the howling wind.
Mike let himself collapse onto the ground. The snow soaked his clothes, and the dampness would eventually kill him. That no longer mattered. He allowed himself to break down and sobbed hysterically. "Joel...Don't leave me...I�"
The snow ceased to shimmer as the sunlight went away. Mike looked up to see the moon moving in front of the sun. He vanished in a beam of blue light.
Once his eyes recovered from the brilliant light, Mike found himself back in the Ocean Palace. Joel stood in front of Lavos, who was preparing an energy beam. Mike looked around the room to see Schala, Damien, Pearl--and himself, lying on the floor with a bloodstained needle lodged in his leg. What was really bizarre was that nobody was moving.
"A time freeze? I never thought it possible."
"Huh?" Mike turned when he heard the voice behind him. Damien stood before him, with his staff in hand.
"I was searching for you," Damien stated. "Something terrible has happened."
"How did you get here?!"
"Never mind that. First things first." Damien placed his staff on the ground and walked over to Joel. He pulled Joel away from Lavos and over to Mike. The blue light shone again, and Mike felt the cold wind of Death Peak on his face once more.
"Joel? Damien?" Mike looked around, and sure enough, he was back on the mountain. Joel sat on the ground in front of him.
"Joel!" Mike threw his arms around Joel and squeezed him tightly.
"Mike." Joel was unable to move his arms since Mike was clinging onto him, so he compensated by placing his hands around Mike's waist.
"Joel..." Mike rested his head on Joel's shoulder. Tears streamed down his face. "Don't ever do that again..."
"It's fortunate we're all here," Damien stated. "I can use the two pendants to get us off this mountain. Joel, you must be really weak after the impact, so hold onto Mike while we're in the time-space continuum. Don't let go of him."
"I won't ever let go," Joel said. "Never again."
Damien reached into Mike's pocket and took out the pendant. He pressed it against the pendant he was wearing. A blue portal materialized before them.
"Come on, Joel." Mike pulled on Joel's arms. "Let's go back." Joel smiled and closed his eyes. "Joel?" A look of concern crossed Mike's face.
Damien smiled. "Let him sleep. He's earned his rest." He bent over and lifted Joel off the ground.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Mike stood up and stepped into the portal. Damien followed him, carrying Joel in his arms.
***