Demus walked through the brush making only the occasional crunch as he stepped on dried leaves. Collin he had noticed had not returned to camp, and that gave Demus a very bad feeling. Something else was irritating him, but he pushed it aside, unable to interpret it. But he knew where he was going. Something was leading him. Leading him towards… Demus tried to think clearly but found that he couldn’t. There was something odd out tonight and it made him shudder to think what.

 

Collin sat staring into the mirror completely enraptured in it. He knew no passage of time and he would have remained mesmerized forever by the mirror if something had not pulled him from it. Arms grabbed his shoulders and jerked him back roughly. Collin cried out, dropping the mirror on the ground, and slumped over. Demus stood over him with his back turned to the mirror. He knew what it was.

“Collin?” he called and hoisted the boy up dragging him away from the mirror. It lay open on the ground, reflecting up at the treetops and the sky. Demus dared not to even look at it.

“Collin!” he shouted again. The boy’s head rolled over his chest, his eyes partially open but glazed.

“… Hello Demus…” he said in a disconnected voice.

“Collin, how long did you look into the mirror?” Demus asked, though he knew that it probably didn’t matter.

“It’s too late for that.” Collin told him quietly.

“What are you talking about?”

“Hope. Any hope…” his voice was strange, almost stretched thin, and very tired.

“What are you talking about?” Demus asked then tried another question, “Collin, do you know what that mirror is…?”

“The mirror of truth, the orbis, giver of the mind numbing soul searing truth, the talisman of-”

“Alright!” Demus said.

“I want you to leave me.” Collin said. “I want to die. Alone…. Like my master… did.”

“Die? You are not dying.” Demus said.

“Of course I am.” Collin said emptily. “I know the price for looking into the god’s mirror. If you don’t believe me use your gift and see for your self.” Demus stiffed at this and stared at Collin with shocked eyes.

“How do you know about that?” he asked.

“I know too much…” Collin said glancing at the mirror. “Use your gift. Look at me…” his voice still eerily calm. Demus paused. Noticing that Demus was not doing what he wanted Collin turned his eyes upon him and screamed, “LOOK!! Look at my soul!” Demus swallowed, nodded, and looked into Collin’s eyes for a moment. Collin stared defiantly back. With a gasp Demus jerked back, his face pale. Collin laughed.

“A rotting soul isn’t pretty, is it?” Demus didn’t answer but shuddered and closed his eyes. “Leave me. Now.” Collin commanded.

“… No.” Demus said softly. “You are poisoned. One cannot die like this.”

“There is nothing you can do. Go away.” Collin said lying back against the ground. He watched the sky and laughed at it. It was so pointless…

“ΕΓή καλώ…” Demus said. Collin blinked.

“What was that?” he asked, recognizing it as ancient Hailian but not knowing what it meant. Demus paid him no attention.

“…επάνω αίμα ρέω μέσα my νεύρο, ΕΓή καλώ επάνω the έναs ότι δημιούργησα εμάs,” by this time Demus himself had developed a bright golden glow around his body. Collin stared at him in confusion wondering what he was doing.

 “ΕΓή καλώ επάνω the μόνο πράγμα ότι μπορώ βοήθεια εμάs τώρα. Έλα!”

“What do you think your doing?!” Collin screamed as a roar came up around them, consuming them in a blinding light. “No! Stop this! Stop!!” through the insanity his mind had been lapsing into, Collin felt himself instead consumed in fear now. Something stepped forward out of the light and gazed at him. Collin whimpered and tried to crawl away but found that he could not move.

“Fear not child.” A voice said to him as the being moved closer. The light exploded around him as something, a hand perhaps touched his forehead. And Collin knew no more.

 

 

Back at the campsite everyone sat around the last dying embers of the fire. Tella pushed at them with a stick and brooded in silence. Suddenly there was a golden flash from behind them that filled the sky and the surrounding woods.

“What the-” Tella shouted shielding her eyes.

“What’s that light?” the wanderer asked.

“Can that be…” Tella trailed off and leapt to her feet. “Come on! Both of you!”

“Where are we going?” Will asked sleepily. Tella didn’t answer but had started off in the direction that light had come from.

“Hey! Wait!” the wanderer called as she and Will ran after Tella.  

 

 

As they entered the clearing Tella noticed first that both Demus and Collin lay slumped over on the ground. She walked up to Demus and seeing that he was conscious she growled and kicked him,

“It was you, wasn’t it?!” she shouted.

“Are you alright?” the wanderer asked kneeling down beside them. “What happened?”

“W-We must leave this place…” Demus said his voice tired and weak.

“No kidding. You idiot! That was…” Tella paused angrily, “You preformed a summoning spell… Am I right?” Demus looked away from her and silently nodded.

“A summoning spell?” Will asked. “I thought only royalty could do those.” Tella jumped and spun around, turning her wrath on him.

“How do you know about that Will?” she asked dangerously. “Only royalty themselves know of such things…” Will froze and had a two second conversation with Fairien inside his head.

I said something I shouldn’t have… Didn’t I?

Yes you idiot.

Any idea how to get out of it?

No clue.

Hm, some help you are.

On the outside Will laughed nervously and said,

“Oh, it was a rumor I heard at a pub.” He could tell by her glare that she didn’t believe him, but had no time to argue.

“Come on, we need to get out of here. By now every Arean sensor has been altered to that energy build up. Mahito will know it was us.”

“How come?” the wanderer asked.

“Because as far as Mahito knows there are no Hailian or Iyokian royalty left to perform such a spell, and he’ll assume it was me.”

“Oh great. I was hoping we wouldn’t have to see him anytime soon.” Will complained. “That guy is weird.”

“Can you walk?” Tella asked Demus.

“Yes I’m fine.”

“Don’t leave me…” they all turned at the sound of Collin’s voice. The boy lifted his head weakly and gazed at them helplessly. “Please…” Demus knelt down beside him.

“Of course we won’t.” he said softly. Meanwhile Will had spotted the mirror, laying open on the ground. His body tensed at the sight of it, though he didn’t quite know why.

Carefully Will move forward picking up a long stick on the way. Standing away form it, he knocked the lid back on the mirror with the stick. When it was down he moved forward and pressed down on the lid, locking the mirror back inside. Silently he moved back towards the others. Demus looked up watching Will as he neared. Will held out the mirror to him, and gingerly, Demus took it and looped the string back around Collins neck, tucking it under his shirt. Collin shuddered but said nothing. Demus stood up and helped Collin climb onto his back, where the child immediately fell into a deep sleep. The others watched silently, trying to find some way to help, but knowing of none, and daring to offer it. The night was deep, and they had a long way to go before morning.

 

 

“Demus, do you mind if I ask…” Tella said quietly once had been walking awhile, “Who you really are?” Demus sighed and answered.

“… What do you mean?” he asked.

“You know what I mean. You’re real name can’t be Demus. You’re part of Hailian royalty, otherwise you could have preformed that summoning.”

“I was named Basilicus the III once.”

“Basilicus the III? The Prince of Hailia. I thought he died about five years ago in the Arean raids.” Tella said.

“So he did.” Demus would offer no more.

“Alright, if you won’t tell me about that, then how about this, what happened back there?” Demus was silently a moment contemplating an answer. “Come on!” Tella said impatiently, “Because of your summoning you’ve put us all in danger, so we at least deserve to know what happened.” At this Demus nodded.

“Yes your right. Do any of you know what that mirror is that Will found?” they shook their heads.

“It is the Mirror of truth, the treasure of Malibius. It is an ancient talisman made by the Soul of this World and the Mind of this World.

“The Mind of this World?” the wanderer asked. “I’ve never her of him.”

“Her. Well, she rules Iyokia.” Demus said. “There were talismans made between each of the gods, as the ledged goes, though their purpose is a mystery.”

“In my teachings,” Tella said, “They told me, the talismans were for when the world ended. The talismans were made for the purpose of killing the gods.”

“K-Killing them?” Will asked.

“Yes, I’ve heard that as well.” Demus said.

“What are these talismans?” the wanderer asked suddenly feeling strange.

“Well, the Mirror of Truth of course made by the Soul and the Mind of our world, a sword made by the Mind and the Spirit of our world, and a staff, made by the Soul and Spirit of our world. The way it goes is that the object that the other two deities made would be able to kill the other deity. For example, the staff would kill the mind of our world, the sword would kill the Soul of our world, and the mirror there, would kill the Spirit of our world.” Will swallowed hard and stared at the bulge in Collin’s shirt. He shuddered and turned his attention back toward the conversation.

“The staff you carry is talisman of the Soul and Spirit.” Demus said nodding to the wanderer’s staff.

“I-It is?” she asked. Demus nodded.

“Now you know why I was so shocked to see it the first time.” Tella said.

“So what happened to the sword?” Will asked. “Made by the Mind and Spirit of our world?” Tella shrugged at this.

“It’s been lost. At one time it stay in Tereabia, the capital of Betamy, but it’s been a good while since there have been any records of its existence. Some say it never existed, or if it did it was destroyed or lost.”

“Well, anyway, the mirror and the others were apparently made to destroy the gods, so you can imagine what happened when Collin, looked in.” Demus said.

“H-He looked in?” Tella asked.

“And he’s still alive?” Will asked. Demus nodded.

“It showed him things we can’t imagine. He was near insanity and his soul was destroyed.”

“So you called lord Azrael to heal him?” the wanderer asked. Demus nodded.

“And so far, it seems to have worked.” He said. “But who knows what he’ll remember and what he won’t.”

“So royalty can summon the deity of their countries?” the wanderer paused. “So Tella, who do you summon? The Spirit of this world? Isn’t she the ruler of Betamy?”

“He. And yes.” Tella said. “Well, you’ll eventually get the genders right.”

                                               

“…I can’t believe I touched that thing…”

Well, at least you were careful.

“It’s creepy!… Now I know why it felt so… icky to me… well you.”

Don’t worry to much about it. You’re friends won’t use it, now that they know what it is.

“Yeah, I hope so.”

 

“…Will!” Tella shouted. With a jerk Will came out of his trance blinking and turned toward her.

“Y-Yes?” he asked.

“Are you planning on going around that tree or not?” Will paused and indeed found himself smushed up against a tree he had failed to see.

“… Right… I was just um, observing this… tree.”

“Sure.” Tella said walking ahead. “Weirdo.” She muttered and strode up beside the wanderer.

“The strange thing about Will is that he not only talks to himself, he also answers himself.” She said.

“… That is quite odd.” The wanderer said. “What was he saying?” Tella shrugged.

“I don’t know. Didn’t hear him.”

“We’ll have to make fun of him for it later.”

 

 

They walked all night and most of the next day, trying to put in as much distance as possible. Finally toward evening of the next day they settled down on a camp sight, but lit no fire. Collin still showed no signs of waking. Once they had settled fatigue claimed many victims except for Will, who was supposedly on guard duty. Once everyone was deeply asleep he quietly moved out of the camp a short distance. Things had been bothering him all day and he was ready for a few answers.

“Fairien?” he called.

“I can’t tell you much Will.” Came Fariean’s voice.

“You could at least let me ask the question.” Will said gloomily. Fairien smiled softly and moved into view from behind a tree.

“Why can’t we know what this mission is about?” Will asked. Fairien considered it a moment.

“Well, Azrael thought it best that you all not know the full extent of it. At least not yet. Because things could happen to you if you know.” Fairien sighed at this, “But… I think things will happen to you anyway.”

“So… You disagree with him?” Will asked. “You think we should know?” Fairien looked at him sharply.

“I’m not good at making decisions Will. I usually screw up some how. So I’m willing to listen to him.”

“Still…”

“Don’t push Will.” Fairien said raising a figure. “Besides there is still a lot that I don’t know.” Will sighed unhappily and flounced down at the base of one of the trees and cradled his head in his hands.

“I should have just gone to sleep.”

“I thought you were suppose to be on guard duty anyway.” Fairien said. Will didn’t answer but stared gloomily ahead pondering unanswered questions.

“I won’t tell you about the mission, but how about it I tell you something else?” Fairien asked. Will glanced at him.

“Alright what?” he asked. Fairien moved over to him and sat down beside Will.

“Will, how old are you?” he asked.

“Why? You already know.” Will said.

“I’m being polite. Wouldn’t you rather tell me?”

“I’m twenty four.” Will said. Fairien raised an eyebrow.

“That old and you still haven’t been with a woman yet?”

“Shut up! I don’t need this from you.” Will said laughing. Fairien smiled and continued.

“Well, let me tell you something about your country you may not know. About twenty years ago, do you know what happened in Iyokia?”

“Of course. The country clasped because the economy went bad, the government fell, and there were a lot of plagues.” Will said.

“Yes. Many Iyokians died then. The ones that didn’t left for a better country, most going to Betamy where they could blend in. do you know why all these things happened?” Fairien asked. Will shrugged.

“The religious people said it was because the Mind of the Planet died or something, but I never quite got how that happened. Most people just blamed the government. So what really happened Fairien?”

“Well, it wasn’t all the government’s fault, granted they didn’t really help much. You’re right, it was the Mind of the Planet, but she didn’t die. At least not the way you’re thinking. She moved.”

“Moved?” Will asked, then laughed, “Well, the religi’s never would have gotten that one. So, what was it? She didn’t like the weather or something?” he asked. Fairien frowned and shook his head.

“I don’t really know why she moved. I’ve been trying to figure it out, but I have no idea.”

“So where did she go?” Will asked. Fairien paused looking down.

“Area.” He said softly.

“Area?” Will repeated, “Wow… That’s…”

“Yeah. Well, that’s all I’ll tell you for now.”

“Oh come on Fairien!” Will begged, “That’s just enough to make me curious! Now I won’t be able to think about anything else.”

“You can’t tell anyone alright?” Fairien said. “because if you do, they’ll want to know how you know.” Will paused blinking.

“Hey Fairien… Why can’t I tell them about you?”

“…Tell them about me?” Fairien said looking at him uncomfortably. “Do you want to?”

“Well, I don’t know, but is there some reason I can’t?” at this Fairien paused.

“It wouldn’t bring any good. Tella would be… Well, I’m not sure how exactly she would take something like that, but it wouldn’t be good. And…” he paused again. “… It wouldn’t be safe for you.”

“Not safe for me?” Will asked curiously. “What do you mean?” Fairien turned away debating in his mind what he should say.

“…We have enemies Will. There are those that would gladly kill you if they knew we were so closely bound together.” Will was silent a moment before he raised his next question.

“If I die, what happens to you?” he asked softly. Fairien shrugged.

“I don’t know really. At the very least I would lose what little strength I have.”

“Oh…” Will said quietly as they lapsed into silence.

 “Lets not talk about that.” Fairien said turning back to Will and smiling. “It seems Tella has forgiven you.”

“She has?” Will asked forgetting the conversation they had been having. “Oh I don’t know Fairien. She’s gone from being mad at me to ignoring me. Is that better?”

“Well it’s progress.” He replied. “Besides it was great how you pretended to be bad at using a sword and cut those vines to fall on your head.”

“I wasn’t pretending.” Will said grumpily. “You know that. I’ve never handled a sword. I’m a sailor, remember?”

“Yes but…” Fairien looked at him oddly. “I’ve handled a sword.”

“Stop boasting. I know you were good.” Will said. Fairien paused and then said,

“… You may not want to try and use a sword for real.”

“Huh? Why not?…” he paused and stared at Fairien. Receiving no answer he continued, “Are you saying that I could use one if I needed to… because of you?” Fairien shrugged.

“I wouldn’t be surprised. Remember, this joining is something that’s never been done before, so I have no idea what could actually happen.” He look at Will seriously and said, “And I’m glad you’ve been taking it well. I’ve infringed on your rights, put you in danger, and probably screwed everything up worse than it was. I want to say sorry again for that. And I hope that in the end we find some way of separating us.” At this he smiled, “Because I doubt you want to hang around me the rest of your life.” Will shrugged.

“The rest of my life may be pretty short. Besides, you’re not that bad of a person to hang around with. As for effects, I don’t feel terribly different-beyond just you being here.” Will said. Fairien smiled in gratitude for the comments and lean back against the tree.

“I hope Collin will be alright. I mean he looked into that creepy mirror.” Will said shuddering. “I hope he doesn’t wake up insane or something.”

“No, Azrael healed him. Unlike me, the Azrael does good jobs of things. Don’t worry, you’re friend will be fine.”

“I’m glad the lord Azrael showed up,” Will said ignoring Fairien’s self degradation, “I think the wanderer had been worried since she hadn’t seen him in a while.”

“What, did you all think he was dead?”

“Well, no.” Will said, “But… Hey, can ah- beings like you, die?” Fairien turned back to Will, solemnly and gazed into his eyes.

“Yes. We can die.”

“Though the talisman’s… Right?” Will asked remembering the conversation form before. Fairien nodded.

“Yes, but that won’t be for a long time. What we need to worry about is that our power is weakening. And soon, it will be so weak that we won’t have enough power to even maintain this physical form. We’ll become mindless things that float around eternally.”

“That doesn’t sound fun.” Will said quietly. “But how could your power weaken?”

“We get our power from the beings of this world. They give us foundings or the ability to exist like this. In return the beings of this world use our power for magic and they get their personalities from the balances that our forces provide them. If all the people that hold our forces die, like they are in this war, then we lose our power. It’s a cycle really…” Fairien stopped noticing Will’s glazed look. “Come on its not that hard to understand.” He chided. Will laughed and laid down on the ground curling into a ball to face Fairien.

“I guess I understand. Still that bit about you all making or controlling our personalities through this balance, I’d like to think that we developed our own personalities. That’s right isn’t it?”

“To an extent.” Fairien was about to continue but a yawn caught him. He shrugged and laid down beside Will and said, “Its too late to argue theology.”

“I didn’t know you slept.” Will said absently.

“You sleep don’t you?” Fairien said and closed his eyes.

“Maybe I should… move back towards… camp…” Will said struggling to stay awake.

“Don’t worry about it.” Fairien replied softly as they both gave up on staying awake and drifted silently into a deep peaceful sleep.