It was a long climb up. The island had looked deceptively flat, but now that they were on it, the climb to the top seemed endless. Will looked around the dreary terrain. Mostly rocks, making a zigzag path up the mountain it seemed. Suddenly he felt a very familiar feeling in the pit of his stomach, and realized that Fairien had once again joined him.

Where have you been? Sulking? Will asked.

No. Fairien answered. There was a silent brooding feeling coming from Fairien. Will sighed in annoyance.

What’s wrong with you? Still angry because we came?

… Well. Yeah but… Fairien trailed off.

What is it? Will asked starting to take an interest.

…I just thought I would have had better luck with keeping you all from coming here. Fairien said. It’s odd. I made sure there were no boats within miles, so that when you all started looking for one you wouldn’t find one… Of course Tella outsmarted me on that one and sent Demus to find one in the middle of the night so he would have a head start on me… I even tried stopping Demus, kept messing with his head and sense of direction, but somehow he overcame me… I’ve never had that happen before.

I’m not surprised. Will said casually.

Well even so, Fairien continued a bit irately, I don’t understand why one of Azrael’s servants would help you… Especially Charon. He’s usually very antisocial.

Eh…? He was a servant of Azrael’s? Will asked. Funny. I didn’t even notice anything odd about him…

You see what he wants you to see. Fairien said.

At any rate, Will said, We’re here now.

Yes. Fairien said. You all had better be careful once you get to the top. Minerva is waiting for you. Will swallowed hard and nodded.

We’ll be ready then. He thought weakly.

 

 

The wind grew stronger as they reached to top of the plateau. Demus squinted looking out across the expanse of plain they were on. It was large and empty, except for some kind of raised ground in the center of the plain.

“What do you think that is?” he asked as they gathered together.

“Do you think… That’s some kind of alter or something?” Tella asked. “Maybe where the ceremony is performed?”

“Minerva is up here somewhere.” Will said.

“Of course I’m here.” A voice said, “You’re friends don’t need you to tell them that.” They were all instantly alert, looking around widely. Overhead, the sky had clouded and soft rumbles could be heard.

“Where are you?” the wanderer shouted.

“Here.” They all turned to the raised ground and saw Minerva standing in the center of it. She watched them with half closed eyes.

“Well, come along. Come over here where I can see you.” She said softly. Not knowing anything else to do, they obeyed, walking slowly to the raised platform. As they drew nearer, they could see intricate patterns carved in the platforms base, which seemed to be made of marble. Besides that, there were three empty slots at the front of the platform. Minerva watched them.

“It’s good to see you’ve come Michael.” She said, eyeing Will. “Though, when I said bring your puppet, I didn’t exactly mean all of them, though I suppose this works…” she paused for a moment. They all stayed silent watching Minerva as she stepped down off the platform to view them at eye level. “I’ve decided to let you borrow my property, if that is what you wish to do.”

“Alright look Minerva!” a voice shouted from behind them. They turned to see Fairien glaring past them. He stepped forward, pushing his way past them. “I told you once, Will isn’t property, and certainly not your property and neither are the rest of these people. I know you’re just saying it to get on my nerves but really, there are other ways without insulting them.”

“Yes, but this has the best effect.” Minerva said. “Now then, let’s get on with this. You’re wasting my time.” She turned away from him, her hair swaying around her body.

“Minerva!” Fairien shouted. “Before we do that, I want to know something.” She turned slightly and raised an eyebrow.

“Yes?” she asked. Fairien paused, stepping forward.

“Why are you doing this?” he asked. “Do you really want to end the world? Our world that we created together?” he asked. Minerva sniffed in distaste.

“I’m not destroying the world. Really Michael, you jump to conclusions much too easily. I told you already. My goal is to kill you and Azrael.”

“Well why do you want to do that?” Fairien asked. “And don’t give me that stuff about me not understanding. I’ll try and be intelligent enough for you.” He spat. Minerva studied him for a moment, then looked at the mortals, standing behind him.

“You there, Collin,” she said. “Tell me, what is the worst part of humanity?” Collin froze, at the sudden question. Minerva waited a moment, then said. “No? Well then, how about you, Basilicus? Do you have an opinion?” Demus frowned a moment, then said softly.

“Our tendency to war.” He said. Minerva smiled slightly, apparently pleased by the answer.

“Very good.” She said. “I would agree.”

“You’re the one who started this whole war thing!” Collin shouted. “You used my people to start a war just so that you could destroy Azrael and Michael.”

“Hold your tongue boy until you are enlightened.” Minerva said sternly. Collin quelled slightly and stayed silent.

“Yes. War is the true blight of humanity. The single most destructive action that can be taken, something supposedly reserved as a last resort, but is much too often used as a first resort. War… Do you know what causes it?” she asked, staring at the mortals.

“Pride?” the wanderer asked.

“Close.” Minerva said.

“Greed?” Tella asked.

“Try again.” Minerva said.

“Passion… about something?” Collin ventured. Minerva let her gaze linger on him.

“Closest yet.” She said. “Yes, you all answered truthfully… But an even deeper answer still eludes you. What is the root of all these things?… You don’t know? Then I’ll tell you.” She turned, gazing at Fairien.

“The spirit.” She said. Fairien gasped at the realization of what she was accusing him of.

“Miner-” he started.

“The spirit causes violence. The spirit causes hatred. You know of what I speak, all of you.” She said. “You Basilicus, you and your people are looked down upon in Betamy by many. Why? Because you are different. These Betamians are so full of themselves that they fail to see the truth. That truth is instead clouded by hatred, which the spirit produces.” She turned to Tella, “The spirit can wound someone who would otherwise be strong and never waver. You’re love for Fairien and then his death caused you to have doubt for the first time in your life. It also caused your hatred of Areans to sharpen and blind you.” She said. Tella watched her with wide eyes, not able to answer. Her eyes moved next to Collin. He gasped, knowing what was coming. “You Collin, are much the same. How ironic that you and Tella, who are so alike, would find so much hatred for each other. You too know the pain the spirit brings. You lost so much in such a short period of time. It tainted you. However, you did something that not many do. You learned from your mistakes… And thus purified yourself.” Minerva stepped past Collin and regarded Will for a moment.

“Alright Min-” Fairien started but was once again cut off.

“You, Will Kapino, know the best of what I speak. You’ve seen the terrible brutality of the spirit first hand.” Will’s eyes moved to meet Fairien’s. Fairien stared at him, suddenly very unsure of himself. “You fought against it and saw the horrible anger that that produced. You’ve even felt it, sucking away at your life force, draining you more and more, every day, as this parasite feeds off you. You do know that eventually he will kill you.”

“I’ve already accepted that.” Will said.

“Will!” Tella shouted in horror. Fairien squeezed his eyes shut. This wasn’t happening.

“The joining will kill you?” the wanderer asked aghast. Will sighed shakily and slowly nodded.

“Why didn’t you tell us this before?” Demus asked.

“What use would it have been?” Will asked.

“What use indeed?” Minerva asked, watching Fairien closely. He glared back at her, coldly.

“Alright.” He breathed.

“Michael, you have sing handedly caused the deaths of thousands of our children throughout the years. Each death was a stunted life that could have been better spent somehow else, but no. Because of you, our children have to suffer and die before their time. Do you know of the advances that could have been made if only some of those people had been allowed to live? You and your selfish ways have ended their chances at becoming something great.”

“Alright!” Fairien shouted. He knew it was true, there wasn’t any denying that. He felt his body shaking. She was right. “… I see why you want to kill me.” He continued in a low defeated voice, “But why Azrael? Why do you have to bring him into this? He would never hurt anyone!”

“Yes.” Minerva said. “I personally hold no grudges against him, however, he would not tolerate me killing you. For that reason, he too must die.”

“That’s all?” Fairien asked. “You’ll kill him for that?!”

“It is sad I admit.” Minerva said, “But it’s the only course I can take. Speaking of which, he should be here. You there,” she said looking over at Demus and the wanderer, “Bring him out.”

“What are you talking about Minerva?” Fairien asked. “Azrael is formless. You’ll have to call him.”

“Oh no.” Minerva said, a bit of a smile creeping into her features, “Don’t tell me you’re that dense Michael.” she laughed slightly. “He’s been so close to you all this time and you didn’t even feel his presence.”

“What are you talking about?” Fairien asked.

“Azrael, come out. Come out and show him.” Minerva commanded. The wanderer felt her staff rise up into the air. She let out a cry as it began to glow brightly until it exploded into light. The wanderer squeezed her eyes shut and stepped back, holding her hands up to cover her eyes. Slowly, the light faded and she ventured a look. As she opened her eyes she gasped. Before her stood a figure of Azrael. He stepped forward, walking in front of Minerva and Fairien, watching them,

“Greetings Minerva, Michael.” He said, then turned to the rest of them, “And to all of you as well.” He said to the mortals. The wanderer stared at him. She’d never seen him look this unhappy before. There was a heaviness about him and somehow, a great pitying look as he turned his eyes back to Minerva and Fairien. Fairien stared at him.

“You’ve been with the wanderer this whole time?” he asked. Slowly Azrael nodded. Fairien blinked, looking deeply hurt and confused.

“I don’t understand.” He said softly.

“As usual.” Minerva commented.

“Silence Minerva.” Azrael said sternly. He turned to Fairien with a bit of a softer expression. “When Malibius fell, I had a choice. I could lose my physical form, or I could hide myself in the talisman that the wanderer carries. It holds much of my power, and it, along with the wanderer and Basilicus, provided me with enough foundings to survive, much as you have done with Will and the sword. Of course, my power was completely destroyed. I couldn’t make myself know even to you, or help the group much. I’m very sorry Michael.” He said. Fairien nodded slowly glancing down in an almost embarrassed way.

“I’m just glad you’re alright…” he said quietly. “And I feel stupid for not realizing it sooner…”

“I was careful to make my presence subtle.” Azrael said. “Don’t feel bad about it.”

“That’s very nice.” Minerva said interrupting the conversation. “But now that we’re all here, we have much more pressing matters.” Azrael sighed.

“Yes. I suppose we do.”

“Hang on,” Tella said, “Don’t we get a say in this?” Minerva regarded her coldly.

“No.” she said.

“But we’re the ones in question!” Tella protested, “We ought to have the right to decide this!”

“No.” Minerva said.

“But-”

“Princess,” Minerva said, “You may very well have a part to play in this. Just keep yourself quiet for a bit.”

“If your talking about possession-” Fairien began.

“That’s out of the question Minerva.” Azrael said. “We cannot do that.”

“We can and will.” Minerva said. “That’s the only way to settle this.” She turned to Fairien, “You know what I’m talking about. I know you’ll fight. You always have in the past.”

“Minerva…” Fairien started but stopped and shook his head. “I don’t want anymore people to die.” He said.

“Then do the right thing and sacrifice yourself.” She said softly. “It’s the only way you’ll end their suffering.”

“Minerva!” Azrael said, “How dare you tell him that. You know that we all exist in a balance! This world cannot function without that balance.”

“That’s right.” Fairien said. “I won’t kill myself. I believe in our people. I don’t tell them to start wars… It’s part of their nature and to deny them that would be to deny them their nature, even if it is corrupt. Besides,” he said, “the spirit brings other things, such as love and joy. Can you imagine watching over this world without those things?”

“Yes.” Azrael said. “I agree. Life is much too precious to deprive it of such things. Which is why we must refuse your request Minerva.”

“… I never said I refused.” Fairien said. Azrael turned to him in shock.

“What?” he asked.

“You’ve watched her all these years Azrael. You’ve seen the things she’s done to our world. I think it’s time she dies. And with her, will die the pain and suffering she’s caused by this war.” Fairien said.

“If you plan on doing that, you’re going to need a mortal vessel.” Will said. Fairien turned to him slowly, not quite sure what to expect. Will watched him a moment, then smiled slightly and bowed his head.

“I would be honored. On one condition however.” He said, “You have to possess me fully.” Fairien opened his mouth in confusion, but couldn’t find anything to say.

“Michael,” Azrael said coldly, “If you possess him again you’ll kill him.”

“Yes, but think, he is the most suiting vessel, and he even comes standard with his own talisman. That’s a hard deal to beat.” Minerva said.

“Be quiet Minerva!” Azrael shouted.

“Will!” Tella shouted, “Have you lost your mind?”

“Don’t be an idiot Will.” the wanderer shouted. 

“I’ve already made up my mind.” Will said. He turned to them slowly and watched them a bit sadly. “I’m sorry you guys. I’ve lied to you so much, I know… But you’ve all been the best friends I’ve ever had. And I thank you for that friendship.”

“You are not being possessed!” Azrael shouted at Will, then turned furiously to Fairien, “And you are not possessing him!”

“You can’t tell me what I can or can’t do any longer.” Fairien said quietly. “She needs to be destroyed. You know it. She’s become corrupt.”

“If you kill her you’ll destroy this world too!” Azrael shouted. “I told you this world works on a balance! If you kill her, the whole world will be stuck in place, never making any new advancements, never achieve the deep thought process that it has. People will die because no one will know how to cure their illness. Don’t you see?”

“I don’t believe in your balance Azrael.” Fairien said, pushing past him. “From what I’ve seen, this world is too tough to succumb to something like that. It will adjust itself. People will find a new balance.” Azrael stared after him, as Fairien stepped over to Will.

“I can’t believe you’re going to do this Michael.” He murmured. “If you don’t care about effects this action will have on the world, don’t you at least care about the effects this action will have on your ‘mortal vessel’?” Fairien gazed at Will, ignoring Azrael. Everyone was silent, watching.

“I can’t ask you to die.” Fairien said softly. Will stared at him.

“I will die no matter what.” He said. “I would much rather die like this.” He let his eyes drop to the ground and smiled, “I would like for my life to having meaning. Before I met you, it had absolutely none… But you changed that. Besides, I believe in you.” Fairien gazed at him a moment more, sadly.

“Your life has always had meaning.” He said. Will shrugged, and looked up to meet his eyes again.

“I’m ready.” He said. Fairien nodded and stepped back a bit.

“I won’t kill you.” He promised.

“I know.” Will said. Neither one believed it. Will’s friends watched in silence. Fairien closed his eyes and exhaled slowly. As they watched, a green glow appeared around Will’s feet, windings its self gradually upward around Will’s body. Will stared at it, eyes wide in wonder as it moved through him.

“Michael…” Azrael said quietly. Will felt dizzy and lightheaded for a moment, and then… nothing at all. He stared back at them with glassy opaque eyes, his body lit in a soft green light.

“He’s gone…” the wanderer said quietly. Minerva smiled.

“Very nice. We have the first.” She said. “Now, I believe I’ll take what is mine…” she turned, staring coldly at the mortals. Her eyes rested on Collin. Collin backed away, glaring at her. She smiled lightly.

“I don’t care if you ruled over the Areans.” Collin said quietly. “You never treated us like children, you treated us as objects. I would never claim you as my deity.” Minerva’s smile widened.

“Minerva, leave him alone.” Azrael said.

“You say that you would not claim me,” Minerva said, “But that is not important. You’re very being calls out against that. I sure you can feel it. You were made to be mine child.”

“Minerva!” Azrael shouted, “You mustn’t-”

“Made?” Collin asked.

“Collin, don’t listen to her.” Demus warned him. “She’ll only poison your mind.”

“Poison your mind, or open it?” Minerva asked. Collin growled.

“Shut up! You’re just like Mahito!” he shouted, “Leave me alone!”

“Interesting you should mention Mahito.” Minerva said. Collin paused, remembering something. 

“I was attacked by Mahito, while living in Avrai… He had that crazy look about him that he gets when Minerva gets too close to him… That’s why I thought she might have had a connection in it...”

Collin shivered, watching her.

“Tell me.” He said softly.

“Ah, a thirst for knowledge.” Minerva said. “Now that I can respect.”

“Minerva, I don’t think this is the right time to-” Azrael started.

“No. This is the perfect time.” She said. “You want to know what really happened that day?”

“Yes.” Collin said. His friends stared at him.

“What’s she talking about Collin?” Tella asked. Demus frowned.

“As you know,” Minerva started, “Mahito was an experiment produced by the Arean government, at my command. I wanted a vessel. A perfect vessel. Teams of geneticist worked for years creating the perfect vessel for me in a remote lab out in the wastelands. Finally he was born and labeled Project A. The name Mahito soon followed. He developed rapidly, his genes created to bring him to adulthood quickly. At first, everything seemed to be alright. However, as the years went by Mahito started displaying erratic behavior. It was then that the scientists decided to try another approach, this time creating a prototype without the aging genes. They believed that was causing Mahito the troubles he was experiencing. You see, with each test, Mahito was becoming more and more disturbed until one day, about two years ago, he broke out of the institution after a series of exceptionally difficult tests. He had learned about the other prototype, whose genes had not been spliced as much as his. In his madness, he was determined to track down this other prototype and destroy him. You, Collin are that prototype. That is why you were attacked.” Collin stared at her.

“No I’m not.” He said.

“I assure you that you are.” Minerva said. “When you were about two years old, Mahito started showing great potential, and it seemed his problems were over. You, on the other hand, were not showing any potential. None of your built in powers seemed to be working. So they scrapped you. You ended up in an orphanage in rural Area, where Bran Wilhelm found you and took you to Avrai to raise.”

“But… But…” Collin stared helplessly at her. “I don’t have any extra powers… Except that I can channel magic through my body…”

“Magic and so much more.” Minerva said. “As for the other things, you haven’t leaned to use them yet. You’re still underdeveloped and would be more so if Mahito had not attacked you in the first place. That attack unleashed some of your powers.”

“If Mahito knew I was the same as him, why didn’t he tell me? I’m sure he would have delighted in sharing that.” Collin said angrily.

“Unfortunately, to gain control of his mind once more, after the attack, I had possess him and lock most of his memories away to make him more stable. After that, the government put him into the military, and made him a general to try and move him away from things that might trigger his memory. That of course included your father’s attempts to have Mahito imprisoned for attacking you. Mahito was told that he attacked you, but had no memory of it. He was also told to not think of the past, and to only focus on the future. The military kept him busy and for that I was thankful. Of course, with the dawning of all these events, I had to resume my control on Mahito, and it unbalanced him again. He did, however, serve his purpose.”

“That’s a really cold way to talk about someone who has died.” The wanderer said.

“Cold perhaps, but accurate.” Minerva commented. She glanced at Collin’s pail confused face. “Come now Collin, don’t look so surprised. You’ve known all this. You found out by looking in my mirror, remember? Ah, that’s right. Azrael hid those memories away, didn’t he?… What say I restore them?” she asked cunningly. There was a sound of steel, as Demus drew his sword and glared at Minerva. Tella twirled her staff once, and stepped in front of Collin. Minerva watched them, unimpressed.

“Don’t take us lightly Minerva.” Said the wanderer, stepping forward, holding her staff out. “We won’t let you take Collin.”

“My dear girl, it is not up to you.” Minerva said. Azrael sighed.

“She’s right wanderer.” He said. The wanderer paused, then slowly turned to watch Collin. He stared back at her.

“I don’t know what to do.” He breathed, clutching his chest. As he did, his fingers hit the bulge under his shirt. Slowly, Collin reached into his tunic, and pulled out the Mirror. Fairien, who had been watching all of this silently, twitched slightly upon seeing the mirror. Collin looked down at it, holding it tightly.

He suddenly understood how Mahito must have felt. He had been created, created for one purpose only- to served others. To serve Minerva. He shivered. The edges of his mind were tearing; the seams ready to burst. He knew if he didn’t do something, the memories Azrael had blocked would come back to him, and he wasn’t sure what he might do if that happened.

“I need time…” he said quietly, his breaths coming quickly now.

“You have no more time.” Minerva said. Collin felt his head tip up, until he was looking at her. It was then that the dam broke. Collin gasped, his eyes widening, but found that he couldn’t move. Self evident truths, washed over him, sinking their teeth into his mind.

Truth…

It was just a word, but it meant so much. Truly, did anyone know the whole truth? He shivered again. His friends were crowded around him, calling his name now.

“Stop it…” he murmured.

“Collin?” Tella asked. “Are you alright?” he slowly lifted his head up to meet her eyes.

“I know what I have to do…” he said softly. 

“What?” Tella asked.

“I was made… I was made to be a vessel…” he murmured. “So… That is what I must become.”

“You don’t have to let her possess you!” Demus said, “Don’t listen to her.” Collin shook his head. They couldn’t understand! Hundreds of voices called out to him, whispering millions of truths, large truths, small truths, and his mind opened to them, accepting them.

“It’s my purpose.” He said softly. “Would you deny me that?”

You don’t deserve a purpose!

“Yes I do.” Collin muttered. “It’s not for me to decide anymore. I don’t have a choice.”

How can you have no choice? Of course you have a choice! You always have a choice!

“How can you have no choice?!” Demus shouted. “Of course you have a choice! You always have a choice!” Collin breathed in deeply as the world spun in front of him. It was all fitting perfectly into the pattern.

“No. Perhaps that is true for others, but not for me.” He said and stepped forward. Minerva watched him quietly.

“Your ready?” Minerva murmured. Collin stared at her. He opened his mouth but stopped, as a figure stepped in the way. Demus stood, shielding Collin from Minerva’s gaze she watched him.

“I won’t lose anymore of my friends to you.” Demus said. “Leave him alone. He’s just a child.” He said.

“Move.” Minerva commanded him. Demus sighed and lifted his sword in front of him.

“Basilicus do not try and stop her. You cannot help Collin this way.” Azrael told him. Demus glanced at him but did not move.

“Demus.” Collin said softly from behind him.

“Collin, stay away from her.” Demus said.

“I’m sorry. But I can’t.” Collin said emptily. Demus swallowed then shouted,

“Tella! Wanderer! Grab him!” and with that, Demus rushed forward, sword out, ready to hit Minerva. The wanderer and Tella lunged and Collin, grabbing each side of him, holding him as Demus jumped, bringing his sword down.

“Stop it!” Azrael shouted in alarm. Minerva smiled. Pillars of blue light bloomed from her form, hitting Demus and surrounding him. Demus gasped as his body was engulfed in pure cold. All feeling in his body froze and he couldn’t tell if he was still in the air or not. His eyes were squeezed shut, and refused to open.

“Demus!” Tella shouted seeing Demus hit the ground and lay there, curled into a ball and unmoving. They were just wondering if they should run to him and leave Collin, when a powerful force knocked them back, sending them sliding on the rocky ground away from Collin. After a moments pause, the wanderer winced and lifted her head. A bright blue light caught her eye. It was surrounding Collin, penetrating him, just as the green light had done to Will, who was still standing immobile, frozen next to Fairien, staring forward. Demus, slowly opened his eyes and moved, trying to work feeling back into his body. He groaned, pushing himself up and turning, spotting Collin. He gasped, realizing he was too late. Collin stared past him, his eyes glassy and empty.

“Very good.” Minerva purred, as Collin stepped forward, walking around Demus to reach her. Demus stared at Collin in horror.

“Collin?” he asked. Collin didn’t even look down at him. Minerva let her eyes linger on Collin a moment, then moved them to Azrael. He stared back at her with a pained expression.

“How can you two do something like this?” he asked almost in disbelief. “I don’t understand.”

“Azrael.” Fairien said quietly. “It is your turn.” Azrael stared at him sternly.

“My turn? My turn to defile myself, as you two have done? How dare you ask me to do such a thing Michael.” He said quietly. “Can’t you feel how wrong this is?”

“Take your puppet Azrael.” Minerva said. “You are all that is holding us back.”

“I certainly will not.” Azrael said. Demus slowly moved back, joining the wanderer and Tella, who were huddled together, watching the deities argue. Tella bit her lip as her eyes wandered over to Will. His face was so cold and expressionless. She’d never seen him look like that. It was like he was dead.

“Azrael, you have two choices.” Minerva said. “Either take the Hailian, or the girl you brought from afar. Either will do.” Azrael turned to her furiously.

“I choose neither.” He said.

“… My lord,” Demus spoke, “Please do not use the wanderer in such a way. If you must choose please take me instead.”

“Silence Basilicus! I will take neither of you as a puppet. To do so would destroy you.”

“You’re being tiresome Azrael.” Minerva growled. She shifted her eyes over to Fairien. Fairien frowned a moment, then slowly nodded.

“Then we are in agreement.” Minerva said, still watching him. Fairien sighed.

“In this one matter, yes.” He said. They both turned to Azrael. He stared back at them, questioningly.

“We know the girl’s name Azrael.” Minerva said. Azrael gasped, his eyes widening. “Did you think you could hide that from us? From me especially?”

“No!” Azrael shouted. “I won’t let you! I’ll send her back!” a golden light shot out of him, swirling around Azrael. He began speaking lowly, drawing light and power around himself and the wanderer. The wanderer shouted in fear and she felt her body become transparent. Demus and Tella jumped back from her, watching in amazement.

“Stop him!” Minerva shouted.

“Don’t you dare tell me what to do!” Fairien snarled at her as he commanded Will’s body into action, making him run toward Azrael.

“Fairien! No!” Tella shouted, but Fairien pretended not to hear her. He watched Will intently, his eyes sharing that same glassy look. Will ran on, drawing out the sword talisman from himself. As it became solid, Will grabbed the hilt and jumped, bringing the shinning blade down on Azrael’s power. Azrael glanced at him angrily. Will shouted in surprise as he hit the wall of power surrounding Azrael and was knocked back, thrown against the rocky ground. Fairien made a strange noise and winced in pain. Will groaned and sat up, staring at Azrael in confusion, mirroring Fairien’s expression.

“I don’t understand.” Fairien said. “Why didn’t it work? The sword is the thing Azrael is venerable to.”

“Idiot!” Minerva hissed. “Azrael is using a magic older than any of us. It is something we have no knowledge of. We cannot penetrate it.”

“Then we can’t stop him.” Fairien murmured. Will picked himself up and watched in silence.

 

“STOP!” the wanderer shouted from inside the golden waves of Azrael’s spell.

“I will not stop.” Azrael said calmly. “You must go back or I may be forced possess you.”

“I don’t care.” The wanderer shouted. “I can’t leave. My friends need me!”

“Your friends will kill you if you stay.” Azrael said.

“… Maybe they will.” The wanderer said. “But I would trust them with my life.”

“It wouldn’t be your friends behind their actions wanderer.” Azrael told her.

“Let me stay. Please. I don’t care if I’m used as a tool. If I go, my friends will have no chance at redemption.”

“They have no chance anyway!” Azrael shouted. “Give me your consent and I will send you back!”

“No!” the wanderer cried.

“Wanderer… My wanderer… Please.” Azrael begged. “Don’t do this. Give me your consent or I cannot send you safely. I don’t want you to die here because of me.”

“I will not die.” The wanderer told him looking into Azrael’s eyes. “I must trust my friends. It is the only way that I can save them.” Azrael stared at her for a moment, wondering at her meaning. He let his hands drop and the spell collapsed around them, fading away into nothing.

“I am sorry Azrael.” The wanderer said. She was once again standing next to Tella and Demus, looking at the three deities and Collin and Will.

“This is your last chance Azrael.” Minerva said looking over at him.

“… I will not take her as a puppet.” Azrael said softly. Minerva looked over at Fairien and nodded to him. Fairien sighed softly, hardening his resolve and stared grimly at the wanderer. Minerva turned to her as well and together they spoke,

“Gabriel.” They said. The wanderer gasped as something inside of her tore open. Her body was engulfed in that same sick feeling she had had when she had finished singing Amazing Grace. She fell to her knees and coughed.

“Get back from her!” Azrael warned Demus and Tella. They stared, wide eyed at the wanderer and stepped back, giving her room. She was breathing quickly, the sick feeling just beginning to die away. She lifted her head and knew that somehow, as her name had been spoken, she had been made a part of this world. Azrael watched Minerva and Fairien is horror.

“You won’t…” he breathed. Minerva smiled and lifted a hand, spreading her fingers toward the wanderer.

“Thought you were clever bringing in someone I couldn’t manipulate, didn’t you? Well, now that she is a part of our world, we have dominion over her forces. Watch!” she shouted, “Let you mind close within your body.” The wanderer gasped, clutching her head and screamed.

“Minerva!” Azrael shouted in horror. Fairien turned to the wanderer, watching her coldly.

“Let your spirit whither within your body.” He shouted. The wanderer screamed louder, falling to the ground gasping for breath.

“Stop it!” Azrael screamed. “Stop it!” he shook his head unbelieving and stared at Fairien, “I never thought you would betray me like this Michael.” The wanderer screamed again.

“Wanderer!” Tella screamed, trying to run to her. Demus grabbed her shoulders and held her back. They stared as their friend struggled to breathe.

“Azrael! It is only you that can save this girl now.” Minerva said. “If you possess her, your power will sustain her life. If not…” the wanderer screamed again, curling tighter in pain.

“Hurry Azrael.” Fairien called coldly. “I do not want to have to kill this girl.” Tella jerked away from Demus, painfully watching the cold faces of Will and Collin as the wanderer suffered.

“This is just to cruel…” she murmured. Azrael stared at them, then at the wanderer, his eyes wide in horror.

“Azrael-” Minerva began. Azrael squeezed his eyes shut and shouted,

“Alright! Alright!” he choked once then slowly opened his eyes. The wanderer’s body was suddenly surrounded by a warm golden hue. Her movements slowed and she stopped screaming. Slowly, she lifted her body up, swinging her head around to stare at them. Tella gasped, stepping back. The wanderer’s eyes were full of light, and her face was emotionless as she stood up. Minerva closed her eyes.

“Well,” she said. “All the puppets are in place. Now, once and for all, we will finish this.” Azrael gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut groaning.

“You’ve doomed us all.”