Azrael stood next to one of the waterfalls, watching it tumble down endlessly.

“It really is beautiful here.” He said. “For all his faults, Michael has a beautiful soul.”

“Yet, it is his faults that we have to deal with.” Minerva said. Azrael turned back to her, sadly.

“Yes.”  he said.

Will walked down the path, somehow knowing that Azrael and Minerva were this way. He walked slowly up a hill and suddenly saw them amid waterfalls, talking to one another. Will paused, wondering if he should interrupt them or just wait until they were done talking. At any rate they were speaking again.

“But Minerva, he would have no reason to leave this world.” Azrael was saying. “And if what Will says is true, if he was attacked…”

“So maybe someone attacked him and took him to the other world, it really doesn’t matter how he got there, the fact is that he’s there.” Minerva said. Azrael looked down.

“Can we even be certain of that?”

“We know he isn’t dead. If he were, that Iyokian boy would be even more screwed up in the head than he is now.” Minerva said. Will stuck out his chin, resenting that comment and decided that he would stay hidden and hear what they had to say. So far, it was pretty interesting.

“Now Minerva, you shouldn’t say things like that.” Azrael scolded her lightly. “But I agree. Will doesn’t realize it, but that sword has connected him strongly to Michael, and if Michael were to have died in that attack, Will would know it.”

“But why would someone kidnap Michael and take him to the other world… And who?” Azrael asked.

“This did happen right after you had that vision of the girl. Do you think it has to do with her?” Minerva asked. Azrael frowned.

“Perhaps.” He said. Minerva sighed.

“The point is he’s there and in less we intend on disobeying Charon and leaving this world, there isn’t anything we can do.” She said.

“I’m afraid you’re right.” Azrael said. “I wish it weren’t this way. I’m going to miss Michael.” Will gasped, not believing what he was hearing. They knew where Fairien was, but they wouldn’t go save him because someone told them not to leave this world? Didn’t they care for him at all?

With that sudden burst of emotion both Azrael and Minerva’s heads turned, seeing Will. They looked at him in surprise. Will stared back angrily.

“You’re just going to forget about him?” Will asked. Minerva looked quite annoyed.

“This stupid place, it’s messing with us. We should have known you were there…” she muttered.

“Will…” Azrael began. “I’m sorry, but this isn’t something you can understand.”

“Why not?!” Will shouted angrily. “On second thought, I don’t care. I don’t care if you are both too cowardly to risk yourself for him. You said he’s in the other world? Well, I’ll go myself.” He shouted. Minerva laughed. Will could have killed her at that moment. She eyed him disdainfully.

“And how are you planning on going to the other world?” she asked. Will blinked, at a loss. Minerva shook her head. “You and Michael are a lot alike.” She commented.

“I’m afraid we can’t let you go into the other world.” Azrael said sadly.

“Why not?” Will asked, his anger draining into desperation.

“We cannot go to the other world. We are to have nothing to do with it, until we awaken. That was made clear to us. Also,” he paused, his expression darkening, “I have a feeling that it would not be only our well being at steak if we went, but something far greater. I am sorry Will, but I cannot run that risk, even for Michael’s sake.” Will blinked a few times, then turned and dashed away angrily. Azrael shook his head and watched the waterfall again.

Endlessly… he thought.

 

 

 

The dark form watched from on high. The two had escaped from him. Not that it mattered really. They were powerless. However, it had surprised him that a mortal had been able to break through his power. He did not like surprises. No matter. That small group of mortals could be dispatched easily enough. All he had to do was to find something to tempt them. Mortals here were much too predictable. He smiled. In the meantime, he could set about feasting on the fear and hatred he was stirring up in the kingdom known as Betamy.

 

 

 

Will crammed supplies into his bag almost mindlessly. He was breathing quickly and it took him a moment to realize there were tears running down his cheeks. He touched them, pausing for a moment, then wiped them away angrily and continued to fill his bag.

“Will?” Will turned and found Tella watching him, anxiously. She blinked, seeing his tears. “Will, what’s wrong?” she asked suddenly concerned. Will took a deep breath and closed his bag.

“I’m leaving.” He said. Tella frowned.

“If you leave, Azrael and Minerva will kill you.” She said quietly.

“Then I’ll fight them.” Will said savagely. “I’ve got the sword. I highly doubt it will let them kill me, if I’m not willing to die.”

“Fight them?” Tella gasped, “Will, what are you talking about? W-What’s going on?”

“I heard them talking. They said Fairien was in the other world, you know, the wanderer’s world, and he may be in trouble.” He paused angrily, “But they won’t go help him because Charon told them to stay put.” He sighed. “That’s why I’m going to the other world instead.”

“You’re going to the other world?” Tella asked. “How?” Will paused looking down and made a noise between a hiccup and a laugh.

“I-I don’t know.” He said. “But I know I can’t stay here.”

“Okay.” Tella said. “Then I’m going with you.. I can’t stay here either.” She said. Will frowned.

“You have a kingdom to get back.” He said. Tella nodded.

“I am getting it back. I believe finding Fairien will be the first step in getting it back.”

“Are you sure?” Will asked. Tella nodded. Slowly, Will sighed.

“Alright.” He said.

“If your both going I better go as well.” Came Collin’s voice. They looked up to see his head poking out from one of the chairs in the sitting room. He grinned.

“There’s no telling what kind of mess you’ll get yourselves into without me there.” Collin said standing up. Will smiled.

“Thank you. Both of you.” He said. “I don’t know how, but if there is a way out of this world, we’ll find it.”

 

 

Azrael and Minerva returned to the sitting room of the strong hold as darkness fell. Minerva blinked, frowning, feeling something. She turned to Azrael, questioningly. He nodded.

“They’ve gone.” He said.

 

 

They set off through the underbrush, running, until finally they had exited the realm.

“S-So where exactly are we going?” Collin asked as they ran through the woods. Will shrugged.

“I’m heading toward the ocean now, going northward…” he said.

“So we’re going to Iyokia?” Tella asked. Will shrugged again.

“I told you guys I didn’t have a plan. Oh!” he smiled, seeing a break in the trees. “come on, the shore is just up here.” Collin rolled his eyes.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea to travel out in the open like that. I mean, what if Azrael and Minerva are trying to smite us?” Will shrugged.

“If they are, they won’t let a few trees get in their way.” He said.

“Great…” Collin muttered as they left the woods and their feet touched sand.

“Good old ocean.” Will said cheerfully.

“Will, really, think about this…” Tella said. “I mean, how are we suppose to find a way into another world?” Will shrugged.

“I don’t know.” He said. “Usually things just find us.” He grinned and cupped his hands to his mouth. “Hello!” he shouted, “Portal! Come find us!…” Will inhaled deeply, his back bending, “Please…” Tella and Collin stared at him, their expressions a little worried.

“Will…?” Tella asked. “Are you okay?” As much as she hated to admit it, Will was staring to act like his sanity was failing him. Will dropped his hands and looked down at the sand in silence for a minute.

“No… I’m not okay.” He said. His voice was toneless. “I… I don’t know what to do…” Tella blinked, looking at him sadly.

“Will…” she murmured. Collin gasped and pointed to the sky.

“Look out!” he shouted. They jerked their heads up in time to see bright lights, whirling towards them at incredible speeds.

“Run!” Will shouted.

“We can’t out run that!” Tella shouted back, pulling her staff out. Will could see that she was right. Azrael and Minerva had acted faster than he thought. Will cursed himself for bringing his friends into this. Now they would also die.

The lights spun closer and Will could feel their heat on his skin. His eyes widened as he prepared himself for the impact.

However, a dark form darted in front of the lights, raising a long staff, hitting the lights away, one at a time. Will gasped in amazement, watching this feat. Tella and Collin had also opened their eyes. As the last of the lights were swatted away, the figure lowered his staff, and watched them spin off into the night sky. There was a moment of silence before Will called out to this stranger.

“H-Hello?” he said, stepping forward. “Who are you?”  The figure moved slightly, turning. Will could see that it was someone young, with shoulder length dark hair. He squinted, not quite believing what he was seeing.

“Charon?” he gasped.

 

 

 

The figure watched them a moment, then slowly walked toward them. Will, Tella and Collin stared at him as he approached.

“I don’t believe it… It is you.” Will said quietly. The person shook his head, setting what they could now see was an oar into the sand.

“Not quite.” The stranger said. Will frowned in confusion.

“But-” he began.

“I’m afraid you are only half right.” The person said. “I am the force that was created out of necessity when Charon left. However, you may call me Charon if you wish, though I am merely his shadow.”

“Pretty powerful shadow…” Tella muttered.

“Why did you protect us?” Collin asked. Charon blinked, looking slightly bewildered himself.

“I’m not sure.” He said. “I am a force… I have no will of my own, yet I found myself protecting you all…” he looked at Will a moment then nodded. “I see.” He said. “You have a great power within you. That must be why I protected you. I am drawn to power.”

“Where are Azrael and Minerva…?” Collin said glancing around. “I would have thought they would come, seeing as how they failed in killing us.” Charon blinked.

“You are escaping from them?” he asked. Will nodded.

“We need to get out of this world. Into the other world… Do you know a way?” he asked. Charon blinked, expressionlessly.

“Yes. Of course I do.” He said. “Get in my boat and I will take you.”

“Eh, you won’t be taking us to the under world, will you?” Tella asked. Charon observed her a moment then shook his head.

“You asked for a way into the other world, not the under world.” He said.

“Come on, let’s go.” Will said, spotting the boat on the shore.

“Why are you doing this for us?” Collin asked Charon as they moved to the boat. “Don’t you serve Azrael?”

“I serve the one with the most power.” Charon said. “At this moment, that would be him.” he said, pointing to Will.

“Eh? Really? Will’s more powerful than Azrael right now?” Tella asked getting into the boat. Will shrugged looking embarrassed.

“Its probably because Azrael and Minerva just woke up and are still weakened from whatever was keeping them asleep. That’s all.” He said. “Come on, before I’m not the most powerful.” Charon boarded the boat and pushed off with his oar.

“I will take you to the gateway I use to take the souls of the dead to the other world, before I take them to the under world.” He said.

“And… It’s safe?” Tella asked. Charon observed her for a moment.

“Of course. Why do you mistrust me?” he asked.

“I-I’m not. I’m sorry. Of course…” Tella said, flushing. Charon dipped his oar into the water and the air seemed to change around them. Will gasped feeling an odd feeling in the pit of his stomach like they were moving very quickly.

“Almost there.” Charon informed them. “We have passed through Iyokia.”

“T-Through Iyokia?” Will asked. Charon nodded, his eyes on the horizon. As they watched the ocean moved around them, oddly, pushing them along. Will gasped.

“We’re in the Northern Seas, aren’t we?” he asked. The Northern seas, above Iyokia had never been charted. No one wanted to sail too long in that direction and those that did never returned.

“The gateway is this way. Ah, here.” Charon said. The boat seemed to slow and they could see a small island coming into view.

As they moved closer, they could see that the island was bare, with no life or sand. It was made up of rocks, rounded over centuries of waves rolling over them. In the middle of the island was a large dark cave. Charon pulled the boat up to the rocks and stepped out. Will, Tella and Collin followed, looking warily around. 

“Will… Are you sure about this?” Tella asked, looking into the dark cave.

“That is the gateway.” Charon said. “You may enter now, if you wish.”

“You aren’t coming?” Will asked.

“I am afraid I have other duties and they call more strongly to me. I do apologize.” Charon said. Will nodded.

“Of course. Thank you.” He said. He turned to Tella and Collin. “Well, you guys ready?” he asked. Collin and Tella looked nervously at the cave.

“I don’t know about this Will…” Tella said.

“Yeah… This place is…” Collin shivered. Will frowned.

“Of course its weird! It’s a gateway into another world! Of course it’s going to be scary.” He turned, looking a little reluctant himself. “But we have to do this. Alright?” Collin and Tella looked at the cave, then looked at each other.

“Okay Will.” Tella said. Collin nodded, agreeing. As they stepped toward the cave, Collin slipped his hands into Will and Tella’s hands. They looked down at him, and at each other.

“So we don’t get lost.” Collin murmured. Will nodded and squeezed his hand.

“It’ll be alright.” He said. With that, they entered the cave, holding each other’s hands tightly as they were engulfed in darkness.

 

Charon watched them disappear. He stood there a moment, then turned as he felt a strong presence around him. A dark shadow appeared next to him and solidified into a man.

“Eros.” Charon said quietly. Eros turned to him, regarding Charon closely.

“They went in?” he asked. Charon nodded.

“Good.” Eros said. “You’ve done well. Thank you Charon.” He said. Charon bowed slightly.

“I am merely a force with no will. I sever the one with the most power in this world. That is all.” He said. Eros smiled darkly. There was no question as to who the most powerful in this world was. He laughed. This world was so easy to manipulate! And at last, he would be through with these tiresome mortals, who had broken his power and let the two unawakened ones free again. Now, they were walking into the valley of the dead.

“Good work Charon…” he said again, and disappeared.

 

 

 

Will, Collin and Tella walked forward, blindly. Luckily, the ground beneath them was flat and did not slope up or down.

“It’s getting cold…” Collin murmured. The other two had noticed this as well. The light from the entrance had long ago disappeared and they were all very glad Collin had thought to take their hands; otherwise they would feel completely lost in this darkness. Beyond Collin’s comment about the cold, none of them spoke for a long time. 

Finally Tella shivered and her voice came out stretched and thin,

“W-We’re being watched…” she whispered. Will could feel it too, though he felt as though perhaps it wasn’t just one being doing the watching, but a large group…

“They’re all around us…” came Collin’s voice, high and frightened. Will felt him shiver and clutch his hand tighter.

“Just keep walking.” Will murmured, his eyes searching blindly through the darkness. “Don’t stop.” As he said it the ground seemed to give way, or more accurately, it suddenly ceased to exist. They shouted in surprise as they felt themselves fall, expecting to hit the ground again any moment, but the impact never came. Tella screamed as they fell, but after a few moments her lungs clamped shut and she couldn’t breath. Luckily, they were all still holding hands. They squeezed tighter now, pulling themselves together, resigned that if they were going to die, they would die together.

And then Will saw something. Flashes of blue assaulted his eyes and he wondered if he was going blind, or if his mind was snapping from lack of oxygen.

Suddenly they felt themselves jerk to a halt. Immediately, they all gasped for breath and looked at one another. It was at that moment that they realized they were not in darkness anymore. Eerie blue light shone on them. Collin shivered again and pulled them closer to him. This light wasn’t warm and comforting. Somehow, it reeked of death.

Whispers rose from the air around them and a deep coldness began to settle itself in their bodies. Collin whimpered, as they all huddled together, trying to warm themselves in a futile effort. They couldn’t speak, but their eyes said more than enough.

Living…

Will gasped and jerked his head around, trying to find the source of the voice. Tella and Collin’s eyes told him that they had also heard it.

Hold them… Squeeze them…Tear them… devour their souls… the voice grew into many whispers, all chanting this over and over, becoming more and more frenzied. Tella cried out, her body jerking involuntarily as a deep iciness invaded her body, burrowing into her. Will gasped and tried to reach out to her, but in that moment he too was assaulted by the same deep chill. It poured into Collin, robbing him of breath and movement. For one moment, he was conscious that his heart had stilled and then his eyes rolled up in his head and he fell, limply curling against Will and Tella’s bodies. Oddly enough he seemed to hang on to the smallest bit of consciousness, even as he felt Will and Tella collapsed against him and somehow knew that they had slipped into a sleep that perhaps they would never awaken from. And now, his body was shutting down, submitting to the cold and the voices…

But then a warmth started to fill him. Collin’s eyebrows drew together as he opened his eyes, feeling the warmth grow stronger, pushing the cold out. He gasped as life once again took its hold on him and his heart started pumping. Will and Tella also seemed to be affected by this warmth, though it was taking them more time to wake. Collin gasped, feeling the warmth more and more fully, and as he did he realized that it was not a part of him. Rather, it was like the cold, something invading him, however, it wished to protect him. It was almost like… Collin blinked, wondering for a moment as he felt it and became more certain. The warmth was like love. A deep love coating them, holding them against the sea of voices and coldness that wished to devour them. 

For a second Collin felt something more from it, almost a presence attached to this love. His eyes widened and he let his lips part in amazement. Tella’s chest moved as she breathed again, pulling herself up. She blinked; surprised it seemed, to be alive. Will also rose, turning, as though trying to sense what was happening. Collin stared forward, now certain of it.

“Demus…” he whispered. Will and Tella looked at him, amazement in their eyes. Collin blinked and turned to them, as they all felt the warmth swell and then move out of them. And suddenly they were moving again, but not the terrifying oxygen robbing fall that they had been in, but a gliding, movement, pulling them slowly downward through space.  

Then, as soon as they were becoming comfortable the air suddenly changed, a hotness rushing in at them, then changing rapidly to a freezing cold. They cried out in surprise as the darkness engulfed them once more, and having lost their hold on one another, were flung apart. Will felt himself hit something very hard, and then a new darkness took hold of him, filling his mind until he passed out.

 

 

 

End of Part I

The next part of MOTW will be fun. Look for allusions. ^^