They stood, on that massive barren island in the middle of the world, watching each other, wondering who would be the first to move. They stood in a rough triangle; Will, Collin and the wanderer standing in front of the deity possessing them at the moment. Tella pulled at Demus’s arm, trying to get him to move back a bit more. Demus slowly did so, but didn’t take his eyes off Will, Collin, and the wanderer.

“How can they do this?” Tella whispered.

“Each of them believes strongly in something.” Demus said. “You can’t really blame them I suppose. It’s only natural to defend one’s beliefs… But whether they those beliefs are correct… That is something we have yet to see.” Collin slowly lifted his hand to the mirror, which hung around his neck, and took it off, holding it before him. Will and the wanderer tensed, watching him carefully.

“Minerva…” Fairien growled lowly. Collin ignored him, and squeezed the mirror. It made a soft metallic noise and suddenly, a handle shot out the bottom, hitting the ground.  From the top of the mirror, emerged a long pike blade.  Collin grabbed the handle, and held it out threateningly. Will stepped back a moment pulling his sword in front of him defensively, as Fairien tried to think of something to do. Collin bent his knees, narrowing his eyes, and lunged at Will, pike out, ready to stab. Will sucked in a breath and jumped up. In a single movement, wings shot from his back and flapped powerfully, propelling him into the air. Collin landed, having missed his target and looked up, watching Will above him, flying. Will’s wings were a bright white against the dark sky.

“Take that Minerva.” Fairien said grinning.

“Don’t think you’ve won.” Minerva said irately. Collin’s eyes unfocused then squeezed shut. He gasped as wings emerged from his own back and spread open. Will hesitated a moment, watching as Collin’s wings flapped once, and he leapt into the air, aiming his pike at Will, flying up to meet him.

“Idiots!” Azrael said sighing. The wanderer gripped her staff and bent slightly, as wings of her own slowly spread from her back. Above, Will blocked Collin’s attack, striking the pike’s blade and sliding his own blade down the side of the pike. A loud screech of metal sounded as they fought, pulling their weapons back to strike once again. The combination of being in the air, thus having no leverage behind the blows, and having to concentrate on flying at the same time was making the fight difficult. Fairien frowned and decided to bring Will down, hoping to have an advantage on the ground. Will’s wings flapped a final time, and then he rushed down, swooping to the ground. Collin cried out in surprise and tried to catch Will on his pike, but was too late. Will planted his feet on the ground and pulled his wings behind him. Minerva frowned, wondering what Fairien was doing. She decided to give chase. Collin folded his wings and swooped down after Will, holding the pike out ready to skew him on the end. Will watched him come warily.

“Don’t jump away this time Fairien.” Minerva warned. “I’m growing tired of chasing you. Why don’t you try and fight?” Collin was flying level to the ground, aiming the pike carefully, as he rapidly approached. With a final flap and burst of speed he hoped to surprise Will by arriving a few seconds before Will planned. However, Will moved quickly to the side, jumping above Collin, swinging his sword up, and catching him with the blade. Collin screamed as the blade sliced into his side and tore his into his wing. Minerva gasped as Collin hit the ground, crashing and sliding a few feet on the sharp rocks.

“Maybe I will fight.” Fairien said.

“I can’t just watch this.” Demus growled softly.

“You want to get in there and get killed?” Tella asked watching the fight in horror. “We can’t do anything. This is way out of our league.”

“Even so… There ought to be something.” Demus muttered. “Fairien and Minerva are treating this like a game.”

“I don’t think so, at least not for Fairien.” Tella said, “He’s scared. He knows what’s at risk and that scares him more than anything he’s ever encountered. That’s why he’s not fighting the way he normally does.”

“And how is that?” Demus asked.

“Full throttle.” Tella said. Collin groaned, and pulled himself up. The wound was very small. Will’s sword had only sliced him a bit on the side, and his wing was torn and sore, but still workable.                 Minerva frowned. That had been too close. While the sword was not the talisman that could cause her the most damage, it could still wound Collin. She chided herself for her weakness and decided to end this as quickly as possible. To do that she would have to get Fairien to fight her, and to fight her blindly, the way he had when she had been with Mahito. It was only in such blind fighting that she knew she could find a weak point. Otherwise, Fairien would be too cautious to let her have an opportunity to use the mirror. She noted that Azrael had made no move yet, other than to watch them. Was he just planning on standing there? He truly was a pacifist. She smiled suddenly thinking of a marvelous way to get Fairien to fight her in that blind rage he was so famous for. But she would have to bide her time and wait for the best opportunity. Yes…

Will was moving again, swinging his sword back, trying to strike Collin again, before he recovered from the last blow. Collin looked up, and tried to move, but Minerva could see there was no way he could get away without another injury. As Will brought the sword down there was a golden flare off to his side and suddenly the wanderer was there, catching his blade with her staff, blocking his attack. Will jerked his head up and glared at her. The wanderer stared evenly back and pulled the staff up, sliding out from under the sword. By this time, Collin had scrambled out of the way and was standing up again.

“You could at least not work against me Azrael!” Fairien shouted.

“I’m not working against you Michael.” Azrael said.

“Then at least leave me alone and let me do what I need to do!” Fairien countered. Azrael sighed, and decided not to reply.

“Tella…” Demus said softly. “I’m telling you, there’s something we have to do…”

“Like what?” Tella asked.

“I could do an illusion. A powerful one…” Demus said frantically.

“I don’t care how powerful it is, you’re not going to fool them!” Tella said.

“Even so, there must be something. I know there is…” Demus murmured. “There is something I have to do…” Tella shook her head.

“You’re crazy sometimes Demus.” She said.

Collin was attacking, but this time, much more cautiously. Minerva was slowly forming a plan in her mind. It was time to take the first step. Collin suddenly rushed forward, with much more force than Fairien would have believed possible for such a child. Will side stepped, anticipating an easy dodge, however, as Fairien watched, he realized that Will’s wings would not be out of the way in time. He gasped, trying to get Will’s body to move quicker, but there was no time. Will’s body wasn’t used to having wings, and the added weight and mass was confusing him and instinctually, he wasn’t taking the wings into account. Fairien groaned as he felt the pike stab into Will’s left wing. Will’s body went ridged with pain as he squeezed his eyes shut and cried out. However, Collin wasn’t finished. He forced Will’s wing down to the ground, and pushed the pike into the ground, pinning him. Will fell back, sitting, looking panicked over at his wing.

“Minerva! Stop it!” Azrael shouted, propelling the wanderer into movement. Collin stood, turned quickly raising a hand and firing a burst of power into her. The wanderer choked and fell back, as though she had hit a wall.

“Don’t interfere Azrael. I’ll deal with you in a moment.” Minerva said. Collin pulled the pike up leaving the blade behind to keep Will pinned to the ground, then, holding the handle horizontally, across his body, he staring at Will over the top of it. His hand moved up to the place where the blade had been, where the mirror now rested. Will’s eyes widened in panic.

“No!” Fairien shouted. Will gripped his sword and turned to his wing. He couldn’t pull the blade out, it was too far for him to reach. But if he could cut his wing…

“That will take too long. You’re about to die Michael.” Minerva gloated calmly. Collin flicked the mirror open, making it glow as he did. Will raised his sword, trying to cut his wing and at the same time not look into the mirror. Collin smiled as the glow built stronger, then with one solid movement, her jerked the pike handle forward, sending a shot of power toward Will. A power that would kill him. Will felt the sword drop from his hands, as he turned, ready to die.

There was a rush of air from behind Collin, powerful and quick. He saw a flash of feathers and a form, gliding like lightening into the energy he had sent from the mirror to kill Will. The wanderer felt something hit her full in the chest. She gasped in pain and opened her wings to their full capacity, blocking the wave of power from the mirror. Minerva cried out in rage, making Fairien opened his eyes, and see that Will was indeed still alive. Immediately, he ran to Will and pried the blade up, throwing it away and helping Will up. Fairien realized he was dizzy and sweating profusely. The possession was getting to him. Collin was glaring down at the wanderer, who had fallen to the ground. Azrael stepped quickly to her and knelt beside the wanderer. He looked strained and tired.

“You took the blow for him!” Minerva spat. “Why in the world would you take such a blow for someone like him? You know what he’s done to this world!” she shouted.

“I also know what you’ve done to this world Minerva.” Azrael said watching her eyes, “Yet, I still love you both and I will not let you destroy each other.”

“Is that so?” Minerva asked. “Well, then I can see my path clearly enough.”

“Path…?” Demus said softly, hearing her words slowly. He remembered last night, and all the thoughts he had had then.

There are many paths. Many trails to follow. Those in power need not dictate them to you. Sometimes, you must make a choice yourself… Even if it appears meek or wrong to others… When you know the truth- not your beliefs, but the truth- then you can make a decision. Then you can act without regret.

Something was slowly forming in Demus’s mind. It wasn’t quite tangible yet, but he could feel it, growing strong, and more solid inside him.

There is something I have to do… He thought.

“What are you talking about Minerva?” Azrael asked quietly.

“Nothing…” Minerva said, “Just this.” With that, Collin raised his wings, and flapped them powerfully, sending a strong rush of wind at Will. Will cried out and fell, off balance back onto the ground.

“Hey! Cut it out!” Fairien shouted above the gale. But Minerva wasn’t listening. Collin moved quickly, swooping in and grabbing the sword that had fallen from Will’s hands. Fairien shouted in surprise and Collin retreated with it. It only taken a few seconds for him to lose the sword. It had happened so fast! Will jumped up, ready to try and take the sword back from Collin, but found he couldn’t. Fairien frowned, then remembered with dread how much a part of Will that sword was. If Minerva had power over it, she had a degree of power over Will, enough apparently to keep him from trying to take the sword back. Fairien gritted his teeth in pain, realizing that they were helpless.

 Collin stood holding the sword, aiming the tip at the wanderer and Azrael, next to her. Minerva smiled.

“Nothing personal Azrael. But I can’t have you always in my way.” Minerva said. Azrael looked calmly and acceptingly at the sword. It was the doom he was destined for, though he had hoped his destiny would not come so quickly.

“Very well Minerva.” He said. “You may kill me. But I ask that you leave the wanderer out of this. That you will give me time to send her back.”

“No, I think not. I’m not letting a good chance like this go.” Minerva said. “Who knows, Michael over there might get up enough guts to try and stop me then.”

Again Demus felt that odd something in his mind. It was slowly taking shape.

“Please Minerva.” Azrael said quietly. Minerva closed her eyes.

“No.” she said. Collin bent his knees, ready to move into action. Minerva noticed however, that his hands were trembling slightly. Odd… Was the thought of murder powerful enough to remove this boy from her control? No. Only enough to make him hesitant. She shook her head and decided to get this over with quickly. Collin moved beginning to run toward the wanderer and Azrael, the sword pointed strait at them.

Demus gasped, suddenly as the thought became clear to him and he knew what it was he was supposed to do.

Is that your answer? That answer may lead you down strange and dangerous paths. Paths that are not taken lightly. Is that your path?

“Yes.” Demus said. This all went through his head in less than a second and then his body was in motion.

“Demus?” he heard Tella say behind him. “Demus!!” she shouted, realizing what he was doing. His body moved as it had never moved before, flying almost, though he had no wings. And suddenly, he was there- at the very place he knew he was destined to be, in the gap that he had been made to fill. He stood there, in front of the wanderer and Azrael, and saw Collin’s eyes widened as he realized who stood in his way, but also knew that at this speed, there was no stopping himself.

And there was the impact.

Demus felt the sword slide into his stomach. He was surprised at the amount of pain it caused. He had never felt anything like it before. Collin let out a cry of pain as he stood, holding the handle and staring up at Demus. Minerva watched in shock. This was something she had never anticipated. She could feel Collin struggling and slipping out of her power, though at the same time, they were still vitally connected.

“Demus?” Collin asked, his voice high and frightened. Demus blinked and focused his eyes on Collin.

“It’s okay Collin.” He said softly. Collin felt his breaths coming quickly, as horror washed over him. He stared at Demus, his eyes filling with tears.

“What are you doing?” he asked. “Why did you…” he sniffed, catching his breath, his eyes shining, “Couldn’t you see? I wanted to make a better world…” Collin squeezed his eyes shut as forces swirled through him. “Why can’t you see that?!” he cried. With shaky hands he slowly, pulled the sword out, causing Demus to wince and slowly move to his knees. The wanderer and Azrael stared in front of them, watching this ordeal. Fairien and Will did likewise, horrified. Fairien cursed.

“Demus!” Tella shouted, running to him. She knelt by him catching his shoulder, trying not to look at the blood. “Demus you idiot!”  she said, her eyes filling with tears. “Why did you do that?”

“He did it to save him.” Collin said bitterly, looking past Demus at Azrael. Azrael gazed back sadly, and said nothing.

“No. I didn’t.” Demus said quietly. The world was spinning in front of his eyes. Demus closed them. His skin felt hot and feverish and cold sweat was running down his back. He slumped down, feeling Tella catch him, and ease him onto the ground gently.

“Demus Demus, wait…” she was saying. Suddenly she turned to Fairien, “Fairien! Heal him! You can heal him can’t you?” Fairien watched Demus with wide eyes and shook his head.

“I’m sorry. That talisman is deadly to Azrael and all his children… If he weren’t Hailian, I could heal him…” Fairien said quietly.  Collin’s eyes were locked on Demus. He slowly knelt down and said,

“What did you say?” he asked. “What do you mean, you didn’t do it to save Azrael?” Demus frowned, trying to speak through the pain. His eyes moved up and focused on Collin’s.

“No world deserves the pain this fight might cause. I know that I had to make this choice in order to set events back into place. I truly did this not to save the deities, but to save my friends. To save you.” Demus said quietly. He smiled slightly, his cheek resting on the dusty ground. “All I wanted to see was your freedom. At least I got to see that. I have set the events into place. It is your job to help carry them through Collin. That is the thing you are charged with.” He paused to catch his breath.

“Demus don’t talk.” Tella said. “I’m going to try and heal you… Maybe… Maybe…” she said holding her staff with shaking hands. Demus closed his eyes.

“Watch over our friends Collin. I know they aren’t very strong sometimes so they need guidance. They need someone to help them through the world…” he smiled, “It doesn’t look like I can do that anymore.”

“Demus…” Collin said wiping his eyes. Fairien watched the still form that lay on the ground in silence. He could feel the life draining out of it until…

“I’m not strong enough Demus!” Collin cried. “I’m too young! I can’t…” he wiped the tears away again, “Please don’t leave!” he said. Tella stared at Demus’ form solemnly, suddenly understanding.

“He’s gone Collin.” she said quietly. Collin caught his breath. It stuck in his throat, choking him as he tried to breath. Impossible thoughts swirled through his head as Collin stared in pain at Demus’ body. He felt a gentle touch on his shoulder and looked up to see the wanderer behind him. Her eyes were still filled with the light of Azrael, but Collin didn’t care. She radiated compassion and understanding. He sniffed, then let her kneel down next to him and hold him. He clutched her shoulders and cried, releasing the knot of pain in his chest. Minerva stared at Collin as he let himself be held.

“This isn’t fair.” she said. They turned to her, surprised to hear such a thing.

“This is your fault Minerva!” Fairien shouted. “You killed him!”

“I did not!” Minerva screamed. “He got in the way! I didn’t mean to!”

“Yet, it happened Minerva.” Azrael said quietly, standing up. Minerva stared at him, her eyes wide and panicked. She sniffed.

“You’re always on his side Azrael!” she said stepping back. “Why can’t you ever be on my side?”

“I’m not on anyone’s side Minerva.” Azrael said soothingly. “Just calm down.”

“I will not calm down! It’s not fair! I try and help our world, try and make it a better place and what happens? I end up killing everything I touch!” she hugged herself and squeezed her eyes shut. “It’s not fair!” she drew a wind around herself, lifting her hair up. Collin’s body stiffened in the wanderer’s arms and he made a small whimpering sound. Tella blinked, looking over at him.

“Collin?” she asked, and gasped, seeing that his eyes had taken back that strange empty glassy look.

“Minerva!” Azrael shouted, his eyes widening as he realized what she was doing. He turned to Fairien, “Michael! We have to stop her! She’s going to kill herself!” Fairien blinked, and looked over at Minerva silently. Azrael stared at him in horror.

“You’re not…” he trailed off and shook his head in disbelief. “Fine then.” He said, and ran toward Minerva, holding his arms up, to brace himself against the wind. Collin cried out, clutching his chest in pain. The wanderer watched him in concern, then reached out again and hugged him closer. He gasped and opened his eyes in terrible pain.

“Minerva!” Azrael shouted. “Stop it! You won’t do anyone any good killing yourself!”

“Are you sure?” Minerva asked. “I’m not. Michael was right. I’ve done my best to destroy this world, even if I was trying to do just the opposite. Both of you are always right, and I’ll never understand why. All I can do is accept my defeat, that I’ll always be wrong.”

“Minerva! You’re not always wrong!” Azrael shouted. “There were many times when you understood something that Michael and I could have never comprehended. You know this!”

“But I don’t understand the things that matter apparently.” Minerva said. “Please, leave me alone Azrael.”

“I can’t do that Minerva. And Michael can’t either, though for the life of me, I can’t figure out why he isn’t over here. He loves you too, much as he tries to hide it.” He said, reaching to her. She shuddered.

“That’s not true.” She murmured. Fairien watched them silently and saw Azrael turn for a moment to look at him. Fairien felt himself turn red. He cursed.

“’ts not my problem if she goes and kills herself.” He muttered to himself. “It’s only what I’ve been trying to do…” he kicked the ground and looked up. Will was staring at him. Fairien knew it was impossible, that it wasn’t really Will staring at him… but yet… He cursed again and turned to the whirlwind, running toward it.

I’m only doing this for Azrael…he told himself, and joined Azrael, looking into the whirlwind around Minerva.

“Come on out of there.” Fairien called. “We don’t really want you dead.” He said grudgingly. “If you promise to stop trying to kill us that is.” Minerva glared at him.

“Minerva, we three have been together for so long.” Azrael said. “We’ve grown together, learned together. Don’t you want to continue? Michael and I need you.”

“Stop it! All you care about it your stupid balance! That’s the only reason you want me alive!” Minerva shouted.

“Of course not Minerva! You know better than that.” Azrael said sternly. “I love you.” She frowned.

“You love everyone.” She said resentfully.

“That’s only because I haven’t found a reason not to love someone.” He said kindly. “and as I’ve said, Michael loves you too, he’s just too proud to say it.” Minerva looked at them for a moment blinked uncertainly.

“I don’t still don’t understand you two.” She said quietly.

“That’s alright.” Azrael said. Fairien smiled slightly.

“Yes.” He said, “We don’t have to understand each other. We just… have be patient with one other.” Azrael smiled at him.

“I never thought you would admit that.” He said. Fairien looked away embarrassed. The wind slowed around Minerva. Her hair fell back around her body and she looked up at them, through her hair.

“I’m sorry.” She said softly. Azrael smiled and touched her cheek affectionately.

“It’s alright.” He said. “Now, we just need to set things back in order… As much as we can. He turned to the wanderer. Slowly, her wings dissolved into the air, until they were completely gone.

“Yes. You’re right…” Minerva said. Collin’s wings likewise disappeared.

 Collin opened his eyes, slowly. The wanderer was squeezing him gently, but upon feeling him move she pulled back, gazing down at him. Her eyes had returned to their normal blue color. She blinked and rubbed her eyes.

“H-Hey.” Collin said quietly.

“Hey.” The wanderer said, releasing him from her arms.

“Are you two alright?” Tella asked. Collin nodded and wiped his eyes a final time.

“I think so.” He said, his eyes moving to Demus’ still form and resting there. The deities behind him were silent, as they too paused, gazing solemnly at Demus.

“Let’s make Basilicus’ sacrifice mean something.” Fairien said softly. Collin sniffed again and turned to them, standing. Azrael looked at him pained.

“Let your heart be lightened, child.” He said quietly. “If Basilicus had not died, we would not be where we are now.” Collin frowned, pausing.

“Demus.” He said.

“Excuse me?” Azrael said.

“Demus.” Collin said determinedly. “His name was Demus.” Azrael paused, then slowly nodded.

“Demus then.” He agreed. “Demus knew the very thing that he had to do. The only thing he could do if he wanted to save all of you.”

“A noble path.” A voice said. They all jumped at the sound of it, looking wildly around. “And indeed, it seems a necessary path.” A figure appeared next to Demus and looked down at him. “Unfortunately, a very sad path as well.” Azrael blinked in confusion.

“Charon?” he asked. Charon slowly tipped his chin up, looking at them. “Charon what…” Azrael trailed off, his eyes locked on Charon suddenly and he paused, as though uncertain. Fairien and Minerva were likewise frozen, watching Charon. Charon returned their gazes with a kind, yet impassive stare. There was something different about him, even the mortals could tell, watching him now. The wanderer met his eyes. There was some kind of immense power behind them, which shone brighter than anything she had ever seen before.

“You three have done well.” He said gently. “You had me worried, but it seems as though you’ve sorted it out, though not without great sacrifice…” he sighed.

“A-Aren’t you… Azrael’s servant?” Fairien croaked. Charon gazed at him a moment, then closed his eyes. A slight wind stirred around him, making his dark shoulder length hair flutter in the wind. His lowly Betamian clothes were gone, replaced with shining robes of white, decorated regally. In his hand, he held an oar, made of dark wood, ornately crafted. Azrael, Minerva and Fairien stared at him in awe, feeling something from his presence they had never felt before. Charon resumed his gaze and smiled lightly.

“A servant yes. Azrael’s servant? Well, I have been since the beginning of this world, but he is not my true master.” Charon said smiling.

“What are you?” Minerva asked in awe. Charon turned to her.

“You try to pin things down too much my dear. There are many answers to questions like that.” He said. “I have been sent to observe you all, and to wait for your awakening.”

“Awakening?” Fairien asked. “What do you mean?”

“Your awakening will be when you truly realize what you are.” Charon said. He sighed sadly. “I had hoped that with the resolution of this conflict, you all would have awakened, but it seems that that is not the case. However, I feel that you three are nearing your awakenings. You especially Azrael.” He said. “You have very little left to learn. You other two,” he said looking at Fairien and Minerva, “however, have a long way to go yet.” Fairien and Minerva felt their faces go red. Charon smiled light heartedly. “But don’t worry.” He assured them, “You’ll get there… And when you do, I’ll be waiting.” He said stepping back. Azrael blinked, suddenly alarmed.

“You’re not staying?” he asked. “You’re not staying until we awaken?” slowly Charon shook his head.

“I’m afraid I must leave you for the time being.” He said. “I’m needed. But don’t worry. You’re safe here. I would ask though that none of you attempt to go to the wanderer’s world until you awaken. Such a thing may be dangerous for you.”

“But what about the wanderer?” Azrael asked. “How will she get home?” Charon closed his eyes.

“I’ll take her.” He said. Azrael paused, troubled. Charon laughed lightly.

“Surely after all these years, you trust me Azrael?” he asked. “I am after all your ferryman am I not?” Azrael’s eyes softened.

“Of course I trust you.” He said quietly. “I’m just sad.” Charon nodded, understandingly.

“I’ll wait.” he said. The wanderer looked at them all, a little frightened. Her eyes moved to Will, and noticed that he had not lost that glassy look. She frowned and turned to Fairien.

“Why are you still possessing him?” she asked. Fairien looked over at Will, a bit of fear creeping into his own eyes.

“I’m afraid…” he said, “that if I let him go… he won’t live.” Fairien blinked. “His spirit, soul and mind have been through so much, they’ve all nearly burned out.” Tella looked over at Will, alert.

“You can’t let him die!” she shouted at Fairien. “Not him too! Please Fairien.” She said.

“Michael.” Minerva said. “You don’t have to fear… Azrael and I will help Will. We’ll make sure he stays in balance while you remove your possession from him. Fairien blinked, nodding gratefully, then stopped, realizing something.

“That means… We can separate.” He said quietly. Azrael nodded.

“Yes.” He said. “This is the moment you’ve been waiting for.” Fairien blinked once more, and looked over at Will pausing for a moment. Will stood there, helplessly empty, staring forward. The thought of not having Will with him always was strange. Over the past few months, he had grown to like their conversations, both those out loud and those not spoken. Again the realization hit him that soon, Will would be gone, and he wouldn’t be able to talk to him like that anymore.

“Yes…” he said quietly. He cleared his throat. “Stabilize him… I’m going to release him… Then…” Fairien trailed off. Azrael and Minerva nodded. A slight glow, grew around Will’s body, as his eyes, slowly regained their normal blue color. Will blinked as the glow died. He groaned and rubbed his neck, feeling very strange. Why was he so sore…?

“Whoa hey!” he shouted, seeing the wings still attached to his back. He started turning circles, trying to see them. “Fairien!” he shouted. “What are these?! They aren’t permanent, are they?” Fairien watched him, tears almost coming to his eyes.

“It’s alright Will.” he said quietly. Will paused, staring at him. Fairien seemed sad. He wondered why.

“Hey…” he said suddenly realizing something, “I’m alive.” Fairien nodded.

“Yes.” He said. Slowly, Will felt a tingling sensation from his back, as the wings dissolved. He shivered, feeling a lot lighter suddenly.

“Hey, what’s-” He broke off, seeing Demus. His smiled faded as he drew nearer, staring with wide eyes, in shock. “What… happened?” he asked finally, drawing closer and kneeling by his friends. They looked over at him, sadly. Will joined their silence as they watched each other.

“Michael…” Minerva whispered. “Shouldn’t we…?”

“Give him a minute Minerva.” Azrael said.

“Excuse me.” Charon said quietly to them. “I need to take the wanderer back.”

“Now?” Azrael asked. “Can’t she stay a while longer?” Charon paused, then shook his head sadly.

“I’m afraid it is vital to get the wanderer back as soon as possible, since she has been joined to this world. The longer she stays, the harder it will be to take her home…” he said. Azrael nodded.

“I understand.” He said. The wanderer watched them hearing what they were saying. Her friends watched he in silence.

“I think I have to go.” She said.

“Wanderer…” Tella said. Collin was about to blurt out for her not to leave yet, but held his tongue, realizing that his protests would only make the parting harder for her. Will smiled sadly and rubbed her shoulder.

“Thank you wanderer.” He said. “Thank you for all the help you’ve given our world.” He paused, “I’m sorry, for all the hardships you’ve had to endure… And I’m sorry for fighting you just now.”

“It wasn’t really you and it wasn’t really me…” the wanderer said. “Will, you were the first person I encountered in this world… I just realized that. I don’t think I could have met anyone nicer.” She said. Will smiled.

“Well, I was the second person you met.” Tella said.

“No no, that was Mahito.” Will said, thinking back. Tella made a face.

“Third then.” She said. The wanderer laughed.

“No, there were Arean soldiers with him, so you were about number twenty, Tella.” She said. Tella smiled sadly.

“Number twenty then.” She said. The wanderer blinked, feeling tears coming.

“I wish I could stay with you all.” she said.

“No you don’t. You want to go back to your world.” Tella said. “You can’t stay here. Your life is there.” The wanderer slowly nodded. “But, we do wish you could stay wanderer.” Tella finished.

“My name is Gabriel, you know.” The wanderer said. Tella considered this a moment.

“That seems weird somehow… To us, you’ll always be the wanderer.” She said. The wandered smiled gratefully. Collin watched in silence. He really didn’t feel apart of this. His thoughts were detached and slow right now. The wanderer’s eyes were lingering on him. He sniffed, trying not to cry again.

“All of you, good luck in your lives.” The wanderer said. “I know you’ll all continue to help this world. It still needs all the help it can get. War wounds don’t heal easily.”

“That’s for certain.” Tella said. The wanderer slowly rose, looking down at her friends.

“Good bye. I’ll miss you all terribly. Please, keep Demus’ memory alive. Bravery like that shouldn’t be forgotten.”

“Of course.” Collin said. The wanderer nodded, then slowly turned away from them, walking over to the deities and Charon shakily.

“I’m ready.” She said. “Oh, and this,” she held out her hand, making the staff appear. She looked down at it, then handed it to Azrael. “Thank you. It came in handy.” She said. He smiled warmly at her.

“Thank you wanderer.” He said. She nodded and paused.

“Is something wrong?” Azrael asked. The wanderer blinked, then smiled at them all, shaking her head.

“No. Everything is fine.” She said. “I just want to remember this world. It truly is a wonderful place.” They paused a moment, looking out over the water. The clouds were clearing, making way for a soft blue sky to peer through at them,

“Good bye wanderer.” Azrael said sighing. “We won’t meet again.” She blinked, then nodded sadly.

“Good bye.” She said. Charon gently placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Ready?” he asked kindly. The wanderer turned to him and nodded. “Good.” He said and lifted his eyes to Azrael, Fairien and Minerva. “Awaken soon. I can’t wait for you three to come home.” He said quietly. They nodded, uncertainly. With his words, they too, felt something, a kind of need to return somewhere. Slowly, they gave up, realizing they wouldn’t understand until they awakened, as Charon had said. He raised his oar and a soft sheen surrounded him and the wanderer. She breathed in; taking a last look at the world she had been a part of for such a long time, yet such a short time.

And then, everything went black.

 

 

Green light filtered through the tree branches, splashing gently on the pin nettle covered ground. The wanderer found herself standing in that long forgotten clearing, where she had first met Azrael. She blinked in the light and turned to find Charon, standing behind her, gazing at her curiously.

“You’re home.” He said quietly. “How does it feel?” The wanderer sighed softly.

“Nice, as much as I miss the other world.” She said. He nodded.

“Home is a wonderful place.” He said, looking up at the trees.

“Charon?” she asked softly. He slowly let his head drop to look at her. He smiled that warm smile.

“You have a question?” he asked.

“Those three… Azrael, Minerva and Fairien…” the wanderer paused. “Are they… angels?” she asked. Charon watched her closely.

“What do you think?” he asked.

“I think they are… But I can’t imagine what they’re doing in another world… with the ability to create human beings.” She said quietly. Charon closed his eyes and breathed in, sampling the quiet woodland air.

“There are many mysteries my dear.” He said. “Many mysteries of this universe.”

“You aren’t going to tell me, are you?” the wanderer asked. Charon laughed.

“You’ve grown bold during your adventures.” He noted. The wanderer smiled. “Those three were sent there, put in a protected world to grow, to learn, and to eventually awaken.” He said and spread his palms to her. “That is all I know. I promise you.” He said. The wanderer nodded, accepting.

“Thank you Charon.” She said.

“Thank you wanderer.” He said. “You have helped them grow toward that awakening. For that, I am truly thankful.” The wanderer nodded, then looked past him, into the woods.

“I think its time that I went home.” She said quietly.

“Yes.” Charon said. “It is.” His body began to fade, slowly away as the wanderer watched. He smiled, once more. “I bid you farewell, my dear.” He said, and was gone. The wanderer turned, knowing which way to go. It was strange to think, that her house, her warm comfortable house, lay only a short distance away, through these woods. Slowly, she began walking. Her mind calmed and became peaceful as the sky opened up to her and from her ears faded the joyous song- the music of the woods.

 

This is not the end. There will be one more chapter of wrap up back in the world with Collin, Will, and Tella- kind of an epilogue. I just wanted to get this one done and published, because I’ll be leaving for Europe in a few days, (staying for almost a month ^^) and I didn’t want to leave this story hanging that long. I’m sorry to Anime Authoress Heku Binsentsu , I know how much you like Demus and this was terribly cruel. (eek! Sorry! Poor Demus.) Like I said, I’ll be gone a while, so the epilogue will be slow in coming, but it will come. ^^ Jaa, and thank you all so much for reading MOTW.