Warmth surrounded his body as Avery slowly opened his eyes. He found himself in the large downy bed he had discovered last night. He sighed, not relishing the idea of getting up, and quickly scolded himself.
I’m beginning to act like Tella… he thought and pulled himself up, despite his body’s cries of protest at such movement. He stretched, still trying to get rid of the stiffness that his stay in the dungeons had produced.
He yawned, letting the soft air fill his lungs and his eyes moved across the room. They lit on his bedside table, where a piece of paper lay. Avery frowned, not remembering seeing it there when he had retired last night. Slowly, he took it into his hand, vaguely recognizing Tella’s handwriting. He read it,
“Oh no…” Avery muttered, a feeling of dread already settling in his stomach. What’s she done now? Quickly he read the rest of the letter.
Will says Fairien’s been taken
to the other world, so that’s where we’re headed. Sorry to leave like this, but
I know if I waited to tell you, you would do something like lock me in the
cellar, like you did that one time when I wanted to explore Iyokia and would
stop at nothing to do it.
… I want to reassure you, we’ll
be all right. I know you don’t quite think the world of Will, but I trust him
with my life, and I know that if I stick with him, things will be all right.
Again, I’m sorry. I already miss you. Please try and understand.
I love you.
Tella
P.S. Please stay in the Sacred Realm. You’ll be safe there and taken care of by the house. Also, if you see Azrael or Minerva apologize for us. We don’t mean to make them mad! It’s just what we have to do… Good bye again.
Avery stared at the letter, feeling a cold sensation descend on him, chilling him and making him feel physically sick. Shakily, he put the paper back on the table and went to the window and opened it.
He stared out into the woods and the ocean beyond. The wind picked up blowing breezily into the room, lifting Avery’s sleeping robes slightly. He continued to stare.
“You will come back Tella.” He said quietly. “I know you will.”
Will’s eyes slowly opened. The light was dim around him at first, and grew steadily brighter. He groaned and sat up, finding himself n a grassy field. He was all alone.
Quickly he turned, trying to spot any signs of Tella or Collin. He stood up.
“Tella?! Collin!” he shouted. His voice echoes, but no one answered. He blinked looking up. The sky was cloudy and bruised looking, as though it were going to rain soon.
“Where am I?” Will pondered. At least he wasn’t dead, he thought, remembering the place they had passed through. His thoughts lingered on that warm feeling that had held them all against the cold and wondered if Collin had been right… He shook his head. No use thinking of that now. He had to find out where he was, and see if he couldn’t find Tella and Collin. Slowly he began to walk.
As he walked, the trees gave way to a group of short buildings. They looked slightly different from any Will had seen, but they were the basic stone and wood architecture he was used to. He could see streets up ahead and realized that he had come into some kind of small town. Maybe now he could find out where he was.
There weren’t many people out, but those that were, were dressed strangely, with long coats and boots and hats, their clothes reflecting a climate of perpetual rain. Will frowned trying to think of a place that got enough rain to make people dress like that.
“Maybe I’m in one of those small places in Southern Betamy… I think I rains a lot down there…” he thought, looking around. His eyes caught sight of a sign and he squinted, trying to read it. The letters were slightly familiar, but still very alien. They almost resembled Arean, but it didn’t look like any Arean he had ever seen. Will’s heart was starting to beat faster. Had he really made it to the other world?
As he thought this, a motor vehicle roared past. Will jumped, not expecting something like that to just run past him on the street. He stiffly ran to the sidewalks and watched the traffic. The vehicles were small here, and seemed to be a completely different design from those he had seen in Area. Remarkable… Deciding to try his luck, Will catch the attention of a passerby.
“Hello? Excuse me, can you tell me where I am?” Will asked. The lady squinted at him and blinked, obviously not understanding him. She muttered something and shook her head, shrugging politely and left. Will blinked, his lips starting to curve into a smile. He hadn’t understood a word she said and she defiantly wasn’t speaking Arean!
As he thought this the clouds rumbled overhead and small drops began to fall, hitting the cobblestones. The people on the streets either ignored the rain, slipped into a shop, or congregated in alley’s with over hangings. Will grinned at the life around him and how strange it was.
In the middle of the square was a large statue, shaped like a sword with four sides to it, pointing up at the sky. Will walked up to it and was delighted once more at the strange language decorating its sides. The rain began to pound down harder and colder. Will shivered and decided he would follow the local’s examples and slip inside a shop or something. Unfortunately, all the shops seemed to be full, and Will didn’t exactly relish the idea of being squeezed against people he knew absolutely nothing about. He continued walking down a path, seeing a tall stone building with spires reaching taller than the other buildings. For some reason this place attracted Will’s attention. Perhaps because it looked so much older than the rest of the village or perhaps because it look more familiar to him somehow it drew Will toward it. Slowly, Will walked up to the doors and tried them. He wondered if perhaps he should go into such a place, but the doors were open. He peeked in. It was dark inside, though there were windows all along the walls. It was empty.
Quietly, Will eased himself in and closed the door. He stood examining this place. Oddly enough it made him think of Fairien’s Realm, the way the mood was somehow, holier than the rest of the world, though this place didn’t really resemble the realm at all. The colored windows shone their strange light over everything, bathing the somber statues in dim golden light. Will was painfully aware of the sound of his own footsteps as he walked through the strange place, gazing at the skillfully crafted statues.
As he passed one, he stopped and gasped, his eyes widening in surprise. There, before him stood a large statue of a figure, holding a horn. Will couldn’t immediately tell if it was male of female, but the thing that had caught his attention were the long appendages that protruded from the figure’s back.
“Wings…” Will whispered. “Just like Fairien…” he stared, memorized by this connection. His heart was beating loudly and Will wondered if it was as audible as his footsteps had been.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” a voice asked, echoing through the building. Will gasped in surprise and turned to see a young man watching him. The young man had short blond hair and one of those long jackets, though his seemed to be made out of shiny black leather. He looked slightly older than Will. It took Will a few moments to realize that he had understood this person. He stared at him, his mouth hanging open in shock. The young man blinked and smiled amiably.
“Don’t look so shocked. Do I not look like the kind of person that can appreciate beauty?” he strolled over to Will and gazed up at the statue. “Carved by James Warrenworth in the year 1360… A fine year.” He smiled. Will was slowly gaining back control of his own voice. The young man turned his eyes back to Will and looked at him calmly.
“You’re not from this world, are you?” he asked. What control of his voice Will had gained, he lost once more. The man smiled again and looked back up at the statue.
“Ah… Ah… You speak Betamian?” Will asked.
“Betamian, is that what you call it?” the young man asked. “No. I don’t speak Betamian, or any other language from your world, yet you understand me and I understand you.”
“How is this possible?” Will asked. The young man chuckled lightly.
“All things are possible. However, what I want to know is why you have come to our world.” He said quietly. Will stared at him, for a moment. The man stared back.
“Do you trust me?” the man asked quietly. Will breathed deeply.
“For some reason I do, though that maybe be because I have no choice. No one else understands me.” He said. The man’s eyes darkened slightly.
“Oh, there are others that would understand you… Be warned of them.” He said, his voice dropping the light airy tone that he had had thus far. He paused a moment, then smiled again.
“Will you come with me?” he asked. Will blinked, the slowly nodded.
“I came with two others from my world, but we seem to have gotten separated.” He said. The man paused a moment.
“Two others, eh? Well, we’ll find them, though, they may be a bit trickery to find than you were.”
“Was I easy to find then?” Will asked.
“Oh yes. You have a strong presence. It’s lucky I got to you first.” The man said opening the door and gazing out. “Ah, look, its stopped raining.” He laughed. “Though, not for long, if I know this place.” Will frowned at the man’s comment and shook his head.
“I came to this world to find someone.” Will said. The man paused, changing tracks.
“And who would that be?” he asked, closing the door once more to preserve their privacy.
“I call him Fairien, though his real name is Michael.” Will said. He frowned, wondering how he could describe Fairien. “He is… a being. Not like me.” Will’s eyes lit up and he pointed back to the statue, “He’s a being like that.” The man looked down the isle back at the statue.
“Like that?” he mused. Will nodded.
“That’s why I was looking at it.” He said.
“And you say his name is Michael, and he is from your world?” the young man reflected. Will nodded again. “How very curious.” The man turned to look at Will. “And why are you seeking him?” Will paused only a moment.
“He was taken from our world, I believe by force and I’m worried he’s in trouble.” Will said.
“And you know him?”
“Yes…” Will paused again, “I was once joined with him.”
“Joined…” the man said frowning, “This is curious…” he murmured and lifted his eyes back to Will’s. “How very odd, to find such compassion in a mortal, willing to go to such great lengths for one of our kind.” Will blinked, stepping back.
“Y-Your-” he began. The man nodded, straightening his back. White wings opened themselves, springing from his back. Will gasped and stepped back further, his eyes rounded in awe.
“You’re just like Fairien…” Will murmured. The man nodded slightly.
“Perhaps not quite.” He said frowning. “You said he was taken here by force… If someone could do that, then he must not be awakened.” The man shook himself, drawing the wings back into him and looked back at Will.
“Come on. We can talk to some of my friends. Perhaps we can learn something.” He smiled. “And maybe, I can take you to see your friend’s namesake. He may be able to sort all of this out.”
Will nodded, suddenly feeling better. Finally he was on his way to finding Fairien!
Tella had found herself a small metal and glass building only big enough for her to squeeze into. She curled herself onto the seat provided in this thing and began to cry.
She had awoken among noise and strong smells that she couldn’t identify. Immediately she had found herself in some kind of alley in a huge city, full of people, milling about her. She had tried speaking to a few of them, but they had looked at her oddly and walked away, as though she were bothering them. Tella had tried every language she knew, but still had gotten no response. She had finally come to the conclusion that she was indeed in the other world and that she was in trouble. Will and Collin were no where to be found, and after an hour of running around in circles, Tella had found this small red metal and glass building and had pulled herself in to it and closed the door. A few people had tried to get her out, looking annoyed, but Tella had glared at them furiously as tears rolled down her cheeks and finally they would give up and walk away. She was just about to give up hope when someone knocked on the door. She pulled her head up, about to yell at the person to leave her alone, but was shocked to see Collin standing before her. She cried out in surprise and rushed to open the door.
“Collin!” she shouted. The boy blinked, staring at her. Tella wiped her eyes and saw to her dismay that it was not Collin, only a little boy who looked remarkably like him. He spoke to her, his words running together in indecipherably. Tella sniffed, frightened.
“Go away.” She said. The boy blinked then took her arm and pulled slightly, saying something. His eyes looked kind and gentle, holding an expression that Collin so rarely gave. Tella blinked, wondering if she would be foolish if she followed this boy. He spoke again, it seemed asking her something. Tella shook her head sadly.
“I don’t understand.” She said. He shrugged and tugged at her arm again. Slowly, Tella allowed herself to be pulled from her sanctuary. The boy smiled encouragingly and led her down the streets. As they passed, Tella noticed everyone’s strange clothes and how different her own were. However, oddly enough, no one gave her a second glance. It seemed the people here were used to the bizarre.
Finally the boy stopped, showing her what appeared to be a bookstore. He smiled and made motions for her to join him inside. Tella nodded and stepped into the store. It was a small place, with about six or seven shelves arranged in isles on the floor and massive tall shelves lining the walls. Tella marveled at this place having only seen this many books in the castle. What a world this was… In the back there was a counter and what seemed to be a small café with round tables and chairs. Behind the counter was a young man that oddly enough reminded her of Avery, though they didn’t look anything alike. This man had shoulder length light brown hair and wore a thick long sleeved shirt with a high neck and had thin black glasses. He looked up as they entered. Beyond this man, the bookstore was empty. The boy ran up to him and chatted happily, pointing to Tella. The man answered, sounding interested in what the boy had to say. Tella stood nervously, wondering if this was going to be like when she first met Collin. She had allowed Collin to trick her into coming into a bread store, and then found out that he and his master were Areans, intent on killing her and the wanderer. However, as she watched these two, she didn’t think that was likely for some reason. The boy shrugged and laughed, then spun around and ran up to Tella, saying something, then smiled and left quickly. Tella blinked, wondering what she should do. The man watched her for a moment, then said quietly,
“Come in. Make yourself at home. I do apologize if Alden upset you. He works here, shelving books, and making coffee.” The man laughed. “He seemed to think you were lost.”
“I-I was…” Tella said. “Hang on, where am I? A-And why can I understand you? I can’t understand anyone else…” the man blinked, then looked at her sympathetically.
“You look like you’ve had a long day. I’ll make you something to eat. Here, sit down.” He said, motioning to one of the tables. Tella blinked looking at it, then slowly took the chair and sat down.
“I don’t have anything to pay with.” She said, looking at him anxiously.
“Ah, don’t worry about that.” The man said warmly. Tella stared out the windows at the busy street beyond and wished that she was home, or at least that she could find Will and Collin. More than anything, she hated being alone.
“Here you are.” The man said kindly, setting a plate before her. Tella looked at it and decided that for its strangeness, it was bread and meat, and she was very hungry.
“Thank you.” Tella said, picking the sandwich up and biting into it. The man nodded and went back behind the counter to tend to paperwork.
Avery had dressed fully and was now descending the stairs. Below he spotted Azrael and Minerva in the sitting room off to his right. He stepped off the last step and found that they were watching him.
“You know they are gone.” Azrael said quietly. Avery nodded. “We wanted you to know that before we left. We are going back to our realms.”
“I see.” Avery said. “In that case, I want to tell you something. I do not intend on staying in this realm.” Azrael blinked, looking vaguely shocked.
“If you go out there now, you will be in danger.” He said.
“Yes. But if I intend on taking back Betamy, then I will have to face a little danger.” He said. Minerva frowned.
“Take it back? Are you serious?” she asked. “That’s not exactly in your job description, you know.” Avery paused and shrugged.
“Maybe not in my technical job description…” he said quietly. Minerva frowned.
“Matters of the heart, Minerva.” Azrael said smiling softly. Minerva sighed.
“Ah yes, the confounding variable.” She muttered.
“I wish you luck.” Azrael said to Avery. “I unfortunately cannot aid you directly…” he sighed. “We all decided after the last fiasco that directly interfering with mortals is something that we will not do anymore.” Minerva nodded and Avery could guess by her look that it was she that had proposed this.
“I understand.” He said. “However, I have one favor to ask.” He said. Azrael nodded.
“Yes?” he asked. Avery took a deep breath.
“I would like you to take me to Hailia.”
Will followed the stranger dutifully down each street he veered into. They stepped around a corner and suddenly Will found himself in the middle of a busy square. He paused, looking at it wondering how this place could be part of the sleepy little town they were in. The young man stopped, noticing his confusion. Will turned around and looked back around the corner they had just come from and saw that the sleepy town was nowhere in sight. He turned back to the stranger and began to follow him again, silently. The young man smiled and turned back to him.
“My name is Hazael.” He said lightly.
“My name is Will.” Will called back.
“Hmm. Will. That is a good strong name.” Hazael commented, before turning around again. Just as he was about to turn another corner, he jumped back and stared at Will with wide eyes. Will blinked in confusion, before seeing that Hazael’s eyes were not focused on him, but something behind him. Will spun around and caught a glimpse of a young woman with chin length black hair jump away from him. Will gasped in time to see Hazael rush in between them, growling at the woman. The woman laughed innocently and disappeared.
They stood there a moment more staring at each other. Hazael sighed finally.
“Ariel.” He said and turned his eyes to Will’s. “She’s one of those ones I told you to look out for.”
“S-She was about to attack me, wasn’t she?” Will asked. Hazael turned away.
“No. She was just playing with you. And me. That’s her way. She’ll always test you first before she attacks for certain…”
“How will I know who these “ones” are that I have to look out for?” Will asked.
“If you stay with me, you won’t have to look out for them.” Hazael said calmly. “Come on, it’s not too much further.” They walked a few more blocks and found themselves in a larger square with several fruit stands in it. Hazael made for one of these, where a stout man smoking a pipe sat behind the makeshift counter. He blinked, seeing them approach.
“Ah, Hazael!” he called.
“Hello Sam.” Hazael said amiably, stopping in front of the stand. Sam’s eyes moved next to Will.
“And who’s this you got with you today?” Sam asked.
“His name is Will, and he is a visitor. He’s looking for someone.” Hazael replied.
“Is he now?” Sam asked, studying Will, “He looks peaked. You don’t have anythin’ to pay with, do you boy?” he asked. Will shook his head. Sam shrugged.
“Ah, I figured as much. Here boy,” he grabbed up a piece of fruit, “Eat this while we talk.” He said tossing Will and apple. Will caught it.
“Thank you sir.” He said politely and bit into the apple. His eyes widened and Sam laughed.
“’S good, ain’t it?” he asked. Will nodded. In fact it was the best apple he had ever tasted. “Of course its good! That’s home grown that is, not like some of these other places ‘round here… heheh…” Sam said glancing around. Hazael laughed, then took on a more serious look.
“What news do you have?” he asked in a low voice. Sam blinked, glancing down pausing.
“…It’s quite.” He said. Hazael nodded.
“Well, I guess that’s good.” He said. Sam shook his head.
“Nah, I never known ‘em to be this quiet. It don’t bode well. All their little projects they seem to have… not exactly dropped, but at least put on hold, or else they aren’t puttin’ the effort into ‘em they used to. I tell you it’s strange…”
“You think they’ve found something else to concentrate their energy on?” Hazael asked. Sam nodded.
“Yeah. That worries me…” he said.
“We were… approached by Ariel on our way here.” Hazael said quietly. “She doesn’t know of you, does she?” Sam laughed.
“Oh no. I cover me tracks much too well for the likes of her to find me… No. She frequents this place on her own.” Sam grinned. “I’m not surprised she approached you.” He eyed Will. “She always was one to be attracted to a pretty face.” Will flushed, and hide his face in his apple. Hazael looked slightly amused and turned back to Sam as he continued, “She usually comes here with Eros. Heh, like I said she never could resist a pretty face. Although, speakin’ of which, I ent’ seen him around lately.” He frowned at Hazael, “You don’t think him and Ariel had a fight, do you?”
“I wouldn’t know.” Hazael said coolly. Sam resumed his grin.
“Of course you wouldn’t. Anyway,” he said. “It seems like Ariel’s looking been looking for something as of late, but I don’t know if it’s a person or a thing. But she’s getting antsy, like it’s taking her too long to find it… Sorry Hazael, that’s all I got.” Hazael considered this.
“Hmm… Thank you Sam. You’ve been a great help, as always.” Hazael said. Sam smiled.
“You’re mightily welcomed Hazael.” He turned to Will and grabbed up another few pieces of fruit and tossed them at him. “And you, you eat up. Vitamins! That’s what you need!”
“T-Thank you sir. This is very generous.” Will said holding the fruit. Sam shrugged.
“I can’t have someone as peaked as you look, go away from my stand empty handed. It’d be bad for business.” He said.
“Thank you again Sam. See you soon.” Hazael called.
“See you soon too Hazael, and you, Will, I hope you find your friend. Maybe that will put some color in your cheeks. Good bye!” he shouted, waving. Will laughed and waved back as they left. Hazael chuckled.
“Don’t mind Sam. He thinks he’s funny.” He said, shoving his hands in his coat.
“He sure was nice…” Will said, popping a grape in his mouth.
“Yes. He is. And very perceptive.” Hazael said. “Anyway, I think its time I took you to meet someone.” He smiled. “Tell me is Michael, or Fairien as you call him, is he a warrior?” Will blinked.
“Yes. Yes he is.” Will said. Hazael nodded knowingly.
“Then I would say it is definite who he was named after.” he said. “Come on, we’ll be there soon. Just keep up.”
Collin stared at the floor. It was some kind of monotonous tile, speckled with flakes of white on an otherwise black floor. He frowned, annoyed.
He had awoken to three men crowded around him, shaking him and speaking quickly in a rough language that sounded vaguely Arean. The men had talked to him, seeming angry. They then took him to a large building and made him sit in a chair while they talked about him with other people. This building sure was big, that was for certain. Also, there were people coming in and out of it, moving quickly, throwing rough phrases over their shoulders at one another. It reminded Collin of the senate building in Avrai.
From what he could gather of their jumbled talk, he was being held prisoner or something. Apparently he had been in some kind of place that he wasn’t supposed to be. Trying to understand any more of their talk was proving fruitless and they didn’t seem to have any better luck understanding him.
Finally, they gave up trying to understand him and put him in a small room with a bed. The window was barred. Collin frowned, wondering what he could do.
Tella and Will didn’t seem to be here, though that didn’t surprise Collin. They had all been flung apart when they entered this world. They could be anywhere.
This was why Collin didn’t try and escape. He knew if he did, he would only stir up trouble and when he did escape, he wouldn’t know where to go, or what to do. No, it was better to wait and see what happened.
Tella had grown sleepy after eating and the kind stranger had told her to go into the back room and sleep on the couch back there. At first Tella had refused, saying that he had already done too much, however, she finally gave in, feeling her fatigue grow stronger. As she lay down on the couch in the back room and found a blanket to pull over herself, she wondered if this stranger knew she was from another world. Somehow, she got the idea that he did.
As Tella drifted off into sleep the young man sat behind the counter, working over a stack of paper work from the days sales. Suddenly he looked up, blinking, as though hearing something, though the room was silent. Slowly he nodded and stood up, and then he disappeared.
Will opened his eyes and gasped, squeezing them shut again, in pain. It was too bright! He groaned and heard a familiar laugh.
“What happened…?” he asked, feeling more annoyed now that he knew Hazael was near, and that he thought Will’s predicament was amusing. Will frowned. There seemed to be a gap in him memory. He had been following Hazael through the streets and then…
“Just open your eyes slowly. Then it won’t hurt so badly.” Hazael said smoothly. Will did as he was told and soon his eyes adjusted to the brightness, though it was still hard to make anything out.
“W-what’s going on?” Will asked.
“I’m sorry. I had to put you to sleep to bring you here. I didn’t think you would relish the idea of flying.”
“F-Flying…?” Will asked. Hazael nodded seeming unconcerned.
“There are a few other reasons, but that’s the main one. Shall we go then?” he asked. Will frowned, as his eyes began to distinguish buildings, marble and other fine stones.
“Why is it so bright? Where are we?” he asked, but Hazael appeared not to have heard him.
“This way.” He called. Will stumbled along, still trying to shield his eyes from the brightness of this place. He could feel his eyes watering.
Hazael stopped in front of a particularly large building and waited for him to catch up.
“In here.” He said and took Will in. Will sighed, feeling much better as they entered. The inside of the building was shady and cool. Now he could see other people walking about this place. It was large and open, with sweet smells drifting through the air. Some of the people stopped and stared at Will, all of them sharing that vaguely amused look that Hazael wore so often. Will scowled, and thrust his eyes at the floor. He hated to be stared at. The fact that soft laugher followed his actions did not help matters. Hazael stopped and reached for the handle of an ornately carved door. He looked at Will and beckoned him in.
The inside of the room was large as well, though this place seemed somehow, richer than the rest had been.
“Who have you brought Hazael?” a voice said. It was like no voice Will had ever heard. It was rich and smooth, and powerful. He blinked, immediately drawn to it, looking for the one who had such a voice. Hazael knelt, bowing his head.
“A mortal by the name of Will.” he said quietly. Will blinked and decided he better kneel too, however, he couldn’t keep his head bowed. His eyes were too busy flickering around the room curiously. The voice laughed, with that same amusement everyone around here seemed to have.
“I see. Thank you Hazael.” He said. Hazael nodded and rose, leaving. Will blinked, watching him, go and wondered if he should leave too, but he caught Hazael’s eye, and suddenly knew that he was to stay. The door closed behind Hazael and Will turned back to the empty room.
“Umm… Hello.” Will said, feeling his face flush.
“Hello.” The voice said. “Will you tell me why you have come to this world?” Will nodded, feeling as through the voice already knew, it was just being polite and letting Will get his thoughts together.
“I’m looking for a being name Michael, who has wings like Hazael. He came from my world, and I think he was taken to this world against his will, though I don’t know that for certain.” He said. “I’ve come here with two of my friends, though we seem to have been separated.”
“I see.” The voice said.
“Ummm… I guess I came here to see if you could help me.” Will said. There was a short silence before the voice answered him.
“Perhaps.” The voice said finally. Will drew in a quick breath and had the distinct impression that something had moved close to him, touching his chin, and lifting it up slightly. Will stared upwards, not seeing anything.
“It seems Hazael over looked something.” The voice said quietly. Will shivered.
“W-What’s that?” he asked.
“You aren’t completely mortal… are you?” the voice said. Will gasped.
“W-What?”
“I know my own when I see one. Open your wings.” The voice commanded.
“M-My-” Will stuttered, but felt his body comply with the command. Slowly, huge wings unfurled themselves from his back. Will gasped, feeling them as he stretched his wings to their full span. He didn’t know what to say, or think. There was a moment of silence then,
“Very good. You can close them now.” The voice said. Will felt them pull themselves back, burying themselves into him. He gasped, feeling his back become whole again.
“You may leave.” The voice said. Will blinked and felt himself standing up. That too had been a command, and he couldn’t disobey it. Slowly, he went to the door and left without saying another word. Hazael stood outside, watching him. Will blinked, glancing back at the now closed door.
“D-Did I do something wrong?” he asked. Hazael considered him for a moment and then shrugged.
“I don’t know.” He said. “Come on, there is someone else I want you to meet.” They were walking again, but Will didn’t feel like meeting anyone else. He quickly caught up with Hazael and decided he was going to get some answers.
“Who was that?” he asked. Hazael glanced at him.
“The name would mean nothing to you. However, you might be intrested to know that that was the being your friend was named for.”
“R-Really?” Will asked. Hazael nodded.
“Why didn’t you tell me you had wings?” Hazael asked. Will blinked.
“W-Well… I can’t exactly use them… And they aren’t really mine…” he said. Hazael looked at him curiously.
“Odd.” Was all he said. Will frowned.
“Hello Hazael.” A new voice said. Will squinted and saw that another young man had walked up to Hazael.
“Hello Nathanael.” Hazael returned. “Nathanael, I want you to meet Will.” Nathanael and Will looked at each other. Nathanael had brown hair, which came down to his shoulders and he wore glasses.
“Nathanael has been caring for one of your friends, I do believe.” Hazael said. Nathanael smiled.
“One of my workers found her on the street and brought her into my bookstore.” He said.
“You still have that bookstore?” Hazael asked. Nathanael gazed at him.
“Of course.” He answered, looking slightly offended. Hazael laughed. It took Will a moment for all of this to register.
“T-Tella? You found Tella?” he asked. Nathanael nodded.
“She’s in the back room, asleep now.” He said, seeing Will’s concerned look he added, “She’s quite safe there. No one enters that bookshop if I don’t want them to.”
“That’s a relief.” Will sighed.
“We’re still looking for your other friend.” Hazael said. “but hopefully we can find him quickly.” Will nodded.
“Why don’t you come to my bookstore? You can see Tella. I’m certain she’ll want to see you.” Nathanael said.
“That sounds good.” Will said.
“Alright.” Nathanael said, leading them away from the bright shining cluster of buildings.
“I won’t have to put you to sleep this time.” Hazael said. “You should be able to fly down on your own.”
‘Ah, I-I don’t know about that.” Will said nervously. “Its not exactly like they come out when I want them too… And I’ve never flown with them… At least, I don’t think I have…” Will frowned. The other two gazed at him a moment.
“Why don’t you give it a try?” Nathanael said. Will paused a moment, then decided that there wasn’t any harm in trying… He closed his eyes and tried to feel the talisman inside him. If he could do that, then maybe the wings would come… he was started to hear cries of surprise from Nathanael and Hazael and opened his eyes quickly, to find them staring at him. Will blinked a few times in confusion, and then realized that he had activated the talisman by mistake. It wasn’t visible, but it was there, apparently making its presence known.
“Stop it! Whatever you’re doing!” Hazael hissed in alarm.
“He’s going to attract their attention!” Nathanael said, his eyes wide.
“Will! Stop!” Hazael shouted, but Will couldn’t stop. His eyes went wide in shock, as the power grew stronger, spreading itself through him hungrily.
Suddenly a very fast object hurled itself at them. Will gasped, but found he couldn’t move. Hazael and Nathanael shouted in alarm as it barreled into them, knocking them back. Will gasped, seeing them thrown away from him. The object uncurled itself, spreading to its full form. It was a man with long dark hair, reaching almost to his waist. There was something about him that could have been friendly, but it seemed to have the opposite effect on Will, making him want to run and hide. Unfortunately, the power of the talisman had locked him in place and was still trying to grow. The man’s eyes moved over him hungrily. Will stiffened and pulled back, using every once of willpower he had to conceal the talisman’s power. He didn’t want someone like this to see it. The man blinked, looking at Will oddly.
“And who might you be…?” he asked softly.
“Yash!” Hazael shouted, pulling himself up. “Stay away from him!”
“How dare you come here!” Nathanael shouted, getting to his feet. “I warn you, Yash…”
“Warn me of what?” Yash asked smiling darkly. “I just wanted to know why you all had brought such a mortal here.” He stopped and stared at Will, frowning.
“There is something about you that reeks of Michael.” He said quietly. “Odd… Though, I suppose you are both from the other world…” Will’s eyes widened.
“You know where he is?” Will asked frantically. Hazael’s eyes widened.
“Will! Don’t talk to him!” he shouted. “Nathanael-” but Nathanael was already getting up, running to call others. Yash frowned.
“Morons.” He hissed turning to Will and smiling.
“If you ever want to see him again you’ll have to come to the underworld.” He laughed, thinking it was funny and disappeared. Will started after him, gasping.
“Will! Are you alright?” Hazael asked, running to him. Will blinked, shakily.
“Y-Yeah. I’m fine.” He said.
“Don’t believe a word he says.” Hazael said. “He was only toying with you. He can see into your mind and knew what you sought. That’s all.” Will nodded vaguely. Nathanael was slowly walking back, looking sad.
“I didn’t even get half way to the others before he was gone.” Nathanael said sighing. Hazael’s eyes softened.
“Never mind that.” He said. “Let’s take Will down to your bookshop. He can rest there with Tella.” Will blinked, hearing them vaguely talk about him, but his mind was too full of thoughts too hear them clearly.
Hmm, does anyone have any guesses about where they are?(Where Will woke up, where Tella woke up and where Collin woke up? Some are a bit vague… )