The sun had set and it was dark in the back room when Tella awoke. Groaning she wondered what time it was.

“Hey.” A voice said next to her in the dark. Tella jumped, started and switched on a lamp. Will sat on the floor in front of the couch, gazing at her.

“Will!” she shouted in surprise, “W-When-”

“Just a few minutes ago.” Will said quietly. “You okay?” Tella nodded.

“Yeah… This guy offered me a place to sleep back here and… how did you find me?”

“I had some help.” Will said, looking toward the front. Though they weren’t visible, Will knew that Hazael and Nathanael were there, holding a quiet conference behind the counter.

“Have you found Collin?” Tella asked. Will shook his head.

“No, but we should be hearing from him soon.” He said. “The guy that runs this book store and the person that found me are friends, and they’re helping us…”

“… What about Fairien?” Tella asked. Will frowned slightly. He decided he didn’t want to tell her about his encounter with Yash.

“Nothing yet.” He said quietly. Tella sat back, looking down.

“We’ll find him.” she assured him.

“Yeah.” Will said.

“Hey, you don’t have to sit on the floor, come up here, there’s plenty of room.” Tella said scooting over. Will smiled and sat on the couch.

“Thanks.” He said. Tella leaned back against the old couch and looked out the dark windows.

“Isn’t this world strange?” she asked. “I don’t know how much you’ve seen of it…”

“A little. I walked down some of the streets.” Will said.

“Ah, yeah, that’s about what I’ve done.” Tella said shrugging. “Its so different, yet its not as different as I expected it to be. I mean, you could easily imagine yourself walking down some of those streets out there and think you’re in Terrebia. I mean, except for a few weird things, like the language is completely different, and there are motor vehicles here like I’ve never seen… There was a three wheeled on, have you ever seen such a thing? And of course…” Tella’s voice drifted in and out of Will thoughts. He was staring at the floor, feeling a strange emotion coming over him as he listened to her voice. “… I wonder if all the cities are like this one? I bet not. They must have their own cultures and things here too I imagine and… Will?” Will had moved closer and was looking at her strangely. Tella blinked. “Will? Is something wrong?” she asked. Will dropped his eyes, away from hers and then very carefully, move forward, catching Tella’s lips into his own. He felt Tella gasp, but noticed she didn’t do anything else.

Will pulled back a few moments later, his eyes still averted from hers, with no expression on his face. Tella stared at him, her lips still open in shock. Finally Will sat back, moving to the other side of the couch.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered. Tella blinked, not quite sure what to make of this. Slowly, she sat back and pushed her gaze to the floor, feeling her cheeks grow warm.

“Goodnight Will.” she said quietly.

“Goodnight Tella.” Will said. They curled up on their ends of the couch, careful not to touch each other as Tella turned off the lamp and they closed their eyes to go to sleep.

 

 

Avery smiled. No one needed to even tell him where he was. He could feel it.

“Is this where you want to be?” Azrael asked. Avery nodded.

“Yes. Thank you very much.” He said, and felt Azrael leave. He was truly on his own now. He smiled, hearing young voices. Well, maybe not completely on his own.

Avery climbed up the beach, making for the large marble building that looked as though it had been recently built. A Hailian boy, looking not much over the age of seven, stood guard. He blinked, seeing Avery.

“N-Name and uh…” the Hailian boy tried to remember his lines. He obviously hadn’t had to use them very much. “Business…” he said. Avery smiled.

“You look just like Leondias. May I ask if you are related?” Aver asked. The boy flushed slightly.

“H-He’s my father.” He said. Avery blinked looking started.

“Your father?” Avery gasped. He felt a strange feeling in his stomach. “I-I didn’t know he was old enough t-to…” Avery blinked, catching hold of himself. “Oh, I feel old. Will you take my to your father?” he asked. The boy looked up at him and shrugged.

“I guess so.” He said, dropping his spear and rushing up the steps. Avery smiled and followed. As they reached the top of the steps Avery found himself on a flat porch, the floor made of marble tiles. The doorway to the main building was guarded by two Hailians, who looked surprised to see the boy. One laughed.

“I thought you were standing guard Leon.” One said. Leon scowled.

“I was. Then I met one of father’s friends.” He said and pointed to Avery.

“You’re a friend of Leondias?” the other man asked. Avery nodded.

“Yes. Could I see him please?” he asked.

“Certainly. What is your name?” he asked.

“You don’t need to know my name.” Avery said. The men looked surprised.

“W-Why not?” he asked. “Certainly, if you’re his friend, you shouldn’t be afraid to give your name.”

“Oh, I’m not afraid to give it.” Avery said smiling. “I would just rather not.”

“Well, then I’m afraid we can’t let you in to see him.” the guard said.

“Oh. That’s a pity.” Avery said. “But it seems like it won’t matter in a few moments.”

“Wha-” the guards frowned in confusion. Avery smiled.

“Hello sir.” He said. The guards blinked and turned to find Leondias standing behind them, looking quite confused. His eyes widened upon seeing Avery.

“Av-” he began but a look from Avery cut him off. “I-It’s nice to see you…” he said. Avery smiled again.

“Its nice to see you as well. May I come in?” he asked. Leondias nodded. The guards, parted, looking at one another and shrugged. Leondias had some strange friends.

As they walked through the dark halls Leondias shot Avery a look.

“You could have given them your name. There was no need for that hassle.” He muttered. Avery laughed.

“What would have been the fun in that?” he asked. Leondias rolled his eyes.

“You’ve picked up some capriciousness from your stay in Betamy I see.” He said.

“Perhaps so.” Avery said. “Anyway, I see you’ve been busy. I didn’t know you were of the age to have a seven year old son.” Leondias blinked and flushed.

“He’s six and I am twenty two you know.” He said. Avery frowned at him.

“You weren’t doing it when I was caring for you, were you?” he asked. Leondias flushed a deeper shade of red.

“I was married two years after you left.” He said and sniffed. Some nanny he was…

“Caretaker.” Avery corrected. Leondias scowled.

“Stay out of my thoughts.” He said.

“They were loud. I couldn’t help it.” Avery said smiling slightly. Leondias rolled his eyes again.

“So, then let’s get to business.” He said. “I would assume you didn’t give your name because you were worried about the story Maloom Vraido released about you.” Avery nodded.

“I didn’t want to be thrown out before I saw you.” He said.

“They wouldn’t have thrown you out.” Leondias said. “But I see your point… Anyway, I suppose you’ll want to see the Betamian Princesses you sent us?”

“Yes. But I have other matters I wanted to talk to you about.” Avery said. “You are the commander of the Hailian forces as of now, are you not?”

“Yes, but keep in mind that doesn’t mean much.” Leondias said looking at him suspiciously. “We don’t have the power to retake Betamy, if that’s what you’re asking.” Avery was silent a moment.

“That is what I wanted to talk to you about.” He said finally.

“I’m sorry. We just don’t have the numbers, or the technology. You know Maloom’s faction has bought up all sorts of Arean technology, including Hailian torture devices.”

“I am aware of this.” Avery said coolly. Leondias blinked and nodded.

“O-Of course you are. Sorry. I’m just saying that…”

“Yes I know. But I’m not done talking about it.” Avery said. “There has to be a way, and I’m gong to find it, if I have to go storm the castle myself, then I will. I won’t let Maloom take Betamy.”

“Ah yes. Woe be upon the one who harms Avery’s brood, for their end shall be swift and painful.” Leondias said.

“Is that what they say?” Avery asked. Leondias chuckled.

“You left quite a legacy.” He said. There was a squeal from the end of the hall, and Avery turned to see two girls running toward him.

“Avery!” Terlini shouted in joy wrapping herself around him. “We didn’t know you were here!”

“Ho could you trick us like that?!” Terra cried out, hugging him, “We thought you were dead!”

“If I hadn’t tricked you, you wouldn’t have left.” He said, “Oh come now, you’re making a scene.” Avery said patting their backs. Leondias looked on, a slight smile on his lips.

“They’ve been asking about you non stop, wanting to know any news of you.” He said.

“We were terribly worried.” Terra said reproachfully. Avery’s expression softened.

“Do you remember what I promised all of you when your mother died?” he asked quietly. The girls blinked and slowly nodded their heads. “I do not make such promises idly.” Avery added smiling sadly.

“We’re just grateful you’re alright.” Terra said. “What about Tella? Is she safe?” Avery paused for a moment.

“Yes. She fine.” He said. “But come on, tell me what you’ve been doing here? How do you like Hailia?” he asked, taking them down the hall.

“It’s wonderful!” Terlini said.

“Yes, everyone is so nice here and it‘s beautiful.” Terra said. Their voices faded down the hall and Leondias watched them go.

 

 

 

 

The city was wonderful sometimes. As much as Gabriel loved nature, she could not deny that the city was just as bright and full of life. She trolled down the busy streets now, watching a group of children run past shouting gleefully, under the tall oak trees, hung with Spanish moss.

She was looking for a coffee shop. This cozy little city had some great coffee shops; and not just things like Starbucks, which were everywhere. She smiled, seeing a familiar building with a sign hanging over it reading: “The Gryphon Tea Room”. This was one of her favorite places where most of her friends grouped together on the warm evening and drank cold frapachinoes.

As Gabriel was about to swing the door open and shout out to her friends someone grabbed her arm. Gabriel blinked turning to see a woman with short black hair staring at her.

“E-Excuse me?” Gabriel said.

“What is your name?” the woman asked. Gabriel blinked, feeling quiet odd. Since she had returned from her adventures in the other world her name had meant nothing, but now this stranger was demanding it in the same hungry tone that Mahito had.

“Leave me alone!” Gabriel shouted pulling her arm away. As she glanced around she saw to her horror that the shop was closed and there was no one on the street. How had this happened? Only minutes before this place had been crawling with people!

“I asked you your name.” The woman repeated, staring into her eyes. She smiled, and said, “Gabriel…. Eh? That’s much too ironic for my tastes. I’ll have to take you I’m afraid.” Gabriel blinked backing away.

“What are you talking about?” she asked, looking frightened. How did this person know her name? The woman’s smile widened and she raised her hand. Gabriel blinked, and then felt the world slide away from her and she fell, losing consciousness.

 

 

 

“So what your saying is that you won’t help.” Avery said.

“Not won’t, can’t.” Leondias replied. They were seated in a large council room, with a group of Hailian military officers.

“Mr. Avery, you have seen our defense program and you know that we do not possess the strength to stand against the Betamian army.” One of the officers said.

“You wouldn’t be standing against the Betamian army.” Avery said clinching his fists, “Just Maloom’s army.”

“Which is Betamian army at this point.” Leondias pointed out.

“No, I think your wrong.” Avery said, “I believe that the army will not follow Maloom. I believe that if they are actually challenged then they will side with us and we can easily force him out of power.”

“You don’t know that for sure.” Leondias said sighing. “And we can’t take a gamble like that.”

“A highly risky gamble, with almost no chance of turning in our favor.” One of the other officers said. Avery turned on him, his eyes angry.

“Yet if we ignore this take over how long do you think it will be before Maloom decides that he can rid the world of Hailians? I do not imagine him existing peacefully with Hailia. I would expect an attack even if Hailia were not so weak. As it is, an attack is almost certain. Can you ignore that?” the room was silent. Avery dropped his head. “I thought not.”

“Even so, we cannot just go over there and attack the country of Betamy.” Leondias said. “We have treaties.”

“You have treaties with the royal house of Betamy. Treaties which state that you will aid that house if it is ever to come under attack. And it has. You are both legally and morally bound to act, as well as for the good of Hailia.”

“Avery, calm down.” Leondias said quietly. “I am aware of all of this, and your proposal is not falling on deaf ears. I only want to remind you that Hailia is a peaceful nation and has never attacked another country in its long history. We will not jump into war lightly.”

“…I understand that.” Avery said quietly. “And I hope that by the end of your session that you will decide to do what is right.”

“… We all do Avery.” Leondias said. “Council A and B, adjourn to the side rooms.” He commanded. “We will meet again in an hour with your decisions.” He bowed as they exited and watched Avery. “Then, we will know our course.” Avery smiled lightly and stood.

“I know my course no matter what your council decides.” He said quietly and left.

“Ah Avery, you’re a good person. I only hope your ideals don’t get in the way of your life.” Leondias said and sat down to his paper work.

 

 

 

Will awoke early. He carefully got up and saw that Tella was still asleep. He watched her a moment then left the room. He found Nathanael sitting at one of the round tables, drinking coffee and reading a newspaper.

“Good morning.” Nathanael said politely.

“Good morning.” Will said glancing at him. He wondered if Nathanael and Hazael had slept. “Where’s Hazael?” he asked. Nathanael’s eyes flickers up to his face, peering at him behind his thinly framed glasses.

“Out.” He said.

“Ah.” Will said awkwardly. Nathanael smiled, getting up.

“Would you like something to eat?” he asked. Will nodded. As Nathanael opened a cupboard, the front door opened, and a little bell chimed. Hazael walked in looking slightly tired.

“Any news?” Nathanael asked, picking up a box of cereal. Hazael sighed and sat down at the bar.

“Sam says Ariel’s looking for something, something really important. He called it a…” Hazael frowned, “A messenger of tidings, something that will announce our fate.”

“Then we’ll just have to find it before she does.” Nathanael said quietly. Hazael shook his head.

“Sam seemed to think she may have already found it.” He sighed, looking depressed. Will frowned lightly. He didn’t want his new friends to be unhappy, but he had absolutely no idea what they were talking about. He hated to seem cold, but his mind was focused on much more important matters and it was hard to listen to their mysterious conversations about nothing when Fairien could be in danger.

“Then we’ll find a way of getting it back, or countering it.” Nathanael said encouragingly. “We always have, haven’t we?”

“That’s true…” Hazael agreed. Will frowned, trying to figure out a way to bring the conversation to something useful to him.

“So, where is the underworld?” Will said causally. Nathanael and Hazael jerked their heads up and stare at him.

“You don’t need to know.” Hazael said seriously.

“But-!”

“Will, I told you, Yash is not to be trusted. He only wants to lure you to your death.” Hazael said, “Or worse.”

“You don’t understand!” Will said, “I can’t just ignore this! And besides, what if it is true? I mean, it fits, doesn’t it? Fairien was taken by force and is being held somewhere and the only people I know besides yourselves and those like you that would be powerful enough to do that to Fairien are those people like Yash and Ariel.” Hazael and Nathanael looked uncomfortably at each other.

“Will,” Hazael said quietly. “You’re right. It is entirely possibly, and in fact very likely that your friend has been taken to the under world… But you cannot go down there after him. First of all, your body couldn’t handle it, second…” Hazael let his eyes move to the floor sadly. “Second, if he is there and has not come out by now, he may have become one of them and there is no way for him to turn back from that.”

“… Fairien wouldn’t!” Will said. “He has a strong spirit! He wouldn’t let anyone make him something he’ not!” Hazael and Nathanael didn’t answer. Will stared at them. Finally Hazael dropped his eyes away and said,

“At any rate, I’ve located the other member of your group.” He said. “A young boy, isn’t it?” Will blinked.

“Yes. Collin.” He said. Hazael nodded.

“I’ll take you and Tella to him when you’re ready.” Hazael said. Will nodded slowly. There was a noise behind him, as Tella walked in blinking sleepily.

“Good morning.” She said. “So you found Collin?” Hazael nodded. “That’s good. I was thinking, Will,” she turned to him, “maybe we could find the wanderer? I mean, maybe she could help us find Fairien.”

“The wanderer?” Nathanael asked. Tella nodded.

“She’s from this world, and she came to our world a while back and helped us out.” She said. Hazael turned sharply toward Will.

“A mortal from our world went to your world?” he asked.

“Y-yeah.” Will said, confused by Hazael’s sudden seriousness. “Is there something bad about that?” he asked. Hazael shook his head, still staring at Will.

“Really, is there anything else you would like to tell me? You seem to leave out everything important.” He said. Will scowled and crossed his arms.

“What?” Tella asked. “Is something wrong?”

“No.” Hazael said. “It’s just…” he frowned and shook his head. “I’ll send someone to look for her.” Nathanael blinked, then closed his eyes and smiled.

“Don’t mind Hazael. He’s moody.” He said lightly. “Have some coffee everyone.” Hazael scowled at him and reached for a mug.

 

 

Soft flakes of snow flittered down hitting the ground and melting into cold slush. There were men standing around in long coats, watching them walk up the paved path.

“Let me handle this.” Tella muttered to Will. Will frowned. Hazael and Nathanael had brought them to this cold place and told them Collin was inside, but it was apparently up to them to get him out. Hazael had had a hurried conversation with them earlier, telling them that Collin had apparently trespassed and was being held at some kind of security building, but they weren’t quite sure what to do with him, since he was a child who seemed not to understand their language very well. However, it seemed that Arean had several similarities with the language these people spoke, so it would not be completely impossible to communicate with them.

“Hello.” Tella called in Arean. “A little boy here yes? Have you seen him?” one of the men looked at her oddly, and then his eyes lit up. He called for another man and motioned for Will and Tella to follow him. These two strangers were speaking with that same dialect the little boy they had found.

Tella and Will found themselves swept through a series of buildings, in and out of the cold. Will, who was only wearing a thin shirt frowned and pulled his arms around his chest, annoyed that Tella had thought to ask Nathanael for a coat and he hadn’t. The men were speaking to them rapidly but Will could catch none of it. By Tella’s face he could see that she wasn’t doing much better.

As the entered another building Tella let out a cry and pointed. Across the room, sitting in a metal chair was Collin. He jerked his head up and smiled, seeing them.

“Hey!” he shouted. “It took you two long enough!”

“What are you talking about?” Tella shouted at him, “It looks like you managed to get yourself in trouble.” They walked closer to him and Collin stood up. The men tried to talk to Tella and Will but they seemed to only be able to communicate broken phrases. After a moment one of the men shouted in understanding.

“Ah!” he said and pointed to Tella, “Mother!” pointed to Will, “Father!” and pointed to Collin, “Child!… eh…” he paused looking Collin over, then looking Will and Tella over, apparently deciding if such a thing was physiologically possible. After a moment her shrugged and spoke rapidly to his college. He too shrugged. Tella and Will could feel their faces reddening, but the men seemed not to notice. Finally, seeming not to know what else to do with them, the men pushed Will, Tella and Collin out the door and back onto the paved path from wince they had come.

 

 

Spray from the ocean water kicked up, misting them with a damp salty coldness, but Avery felt none of it. He leaned over the bow, watching the water disappear beneath them hungrily.

When the Hailian government decided to, it could act very quickly. The council’s had finally decided to go along with him, and had sent their meek ten boat army out across the waters.

Of course, there was a catch. They were not sending them to fight, per say, unless Avery could convince the Betamian army to back them. This would be a tough job, but Avery was prepared for it. He knew the generals, and in less Maloom had replaced them Avery thought he might have a chance.

 “I’ll bring them together. “ he vowed quietly. “No one will take Betamy from Tella. When she gets back, I’ll have her kingdom waiting for her.” He smiled. Leaving Terra and Terlini had proved to be the most difficult part of this venture. They didn’t want him to go, not after finally seeing him and knowing he was safe.

“But it’s alright.” Avery had said, “I will secure your future, and I find that a very worth while venture.”

 

 

“So you haven’t found out anything?” Collin asked glancing at Will. Will bit his lip in annoyance.

“Well, I’ve done better than you.” He said glaring at Collin. Collin shrugged.

“Whatever. So anyway who are these guys that are helping you?” he asked.

“Hazael and Nathanael.” Will said. Tella nodded.

“They kind of… picked us up.” She said.

“They aren’t human.” Will said quietly. Tella blinked. She hadn’t known that for a fact, but she really wasn’t surprised. “They are beings like Fairien and the others… though, they’re different too.” Will said. “They’re helping us… Though…” Will sighed, trying to figure out what to say. “I’m not sure how much help they’ll be.”

“What are you talking about?” Tell asked annoyance coming up through her voice. “I mean, they’ve brought us together when who knows how far apart we were scattered. If anyone can help us find Fairien, then they will.” Tella frowned, “Why are you doubting them?”

“Uh…” Will tried to think of something to say.

“Will… What is it? What do you know?” Tella dug in deeper. “Come on, no more secrets. You’ve got one, I know it! I can see it!” she cried triumphantly. Will glared at her.

“Alright! Alright! I was going to tell you! You don’t have to yell at me!” he said shoving his hands in his pocket. “The thing is, there are these other people, like Hazael and Nathanael, but they are on… different sides I suppose you could say. I guess it like they’re fighting a war. At any rate, I was attacked by one of these other people, a guy named Yash.”

“You were attacked?” Tella asked. Will nodded.

“He didn’t hurt me, he just…” Will shrugged. “I’m not sure, but he mentioned Fairien… And he said if I ever wanted to see him again, I would have to come to the under world.”

“W-What?” Collin asked, his mouth dropping open.

“Y-You think Fairien is…” Tella trailed off. Will shrugged.

“I don’t know. I don’t know anything. We’re in a completely alien world and there is stuff going on that I have no way of predicting… But if Fairien is somewhere and needs someone to help him I’m not going to give up on finding him…”

“I know.” Tella said quietly. “And we aren’t either.”

“That’s right. We didn’t just tag along because we thought it would be fun.” Collin said. Will smiled, heartened slightly.

“Resilience is something looked on as a good quality.” A voice said. Will turned to see Hazael and Nathanael watching them. They were perched on the top of a high rock wall. Nathanael was the one that had spoken. Hazael turned to look at him and sighed, closing his eyes.

“I don’t see why. Usually all it does is lead mortals to early deaths.” He said. Nathanael laughed and jumped off the wall, landing gracefully on the wet grass. He eyed Will a moment.

“You want to go to the under world?” he asked. Will’s eyes widened and he nodded. Nathanael closed his eyes and turned away.

“You’ll wish you hadn’t.” he said quietly. “But none the less, we will take you.”

“Really?” Will asked, “Why?”

“Well,” Hazael said jumping down to join them, “Call it a breach in sanity. At any rate, we’ll have to go to the entrance to the under world.”

“The entrance?” Tella asked. Hazael smiled darkly.

“Yes. The mortals of this world call it, Eleusis.”

 

 

In the darkness there was a slight blue glow. Ariel watched as the crystal hardened around the form of the girl she had collected. The girl was still unconscious and would remain so, as long as she was entombed in the crystal. Ariel folded her arms impatiently, and paced around the dark room.

Suddenly she was aware of another presence beyond her own. She stiffened and let her eyes move across the room.

“So, you’ve got her?” a voice came to her from the darkness. Ariel let out a sigh.

“Yes.” She said.

“It took you long enough.” the voice continued teasingly. Ariel sighed and repressed a shiver.

“Come out of the shadows. You’re being creepy!” she said. “You know I don’t like the dark Yash.” Yash smiled and stepped forward, gazing at the blue crystal.

“Yes. This should hold her until its time.” He said quietly.

“So you think she’ll do it?” Ariel asked. “Cause if I was her, I wouldn’t.”

“That’s because you’re weak.” Yash said smoothly. He laughed, seeing her pout. “No, you see, it’s her destiny. She can’t escape it, just as she can’t escape this crystal…” he said.

“If you say so.” Ariel said. Yash frowned.

“You’re cheeky today.” He said. “Are you lonely because Eros isn’t here?”

“… None of your business.” Ariel muttered. Yash laughed again, but his laugh was cool.

“I see.” He said and went to the door. “Keep an eye on her. I’m going to go tend to the other one.” Ariel raised an eyebrow.

“You’re taking your time with him. Haven’t you finished yet?” she asked. Yash’s face darkened.

“Watch your mouth Ariel. I’ll be done, when I am done. These things don’t need to be rushed.” He hissed. “Tend to your own work and let me worry about mine.” And with that he was gone, leaving Ariel in the darkness alone, once more.

Ooh, I hope all these new character make a little sense and some things are starting to connect.

(Oh yes, and extra points if someone can guess what city the wanderer was in^^)