by J E Mueller
Mist sighed and walked over to me. “This realm is one of many.” Lightly, she pressed the palm of her hand to my forehead. The room vanished from sight, instead all I could see was darkness and stars.
She continued. “There are many planets in this realm that are very similar to ours. All the spirits in it are connected to this land.” The image shifted and zoomed out even further. Now I could see the cosmos. Planets, meteors, and things I couldn’t comprehend all orbiting around their own star. “While it looks all connected, these are different realms. One cannot reach the other without special means. Each has their own galaxy, their own reality. They were formed long ago by the Creators. No one has come across a Creator in centuries. Either they are all gone, or their powers lie stagnant in other beings.
“We don’t have the power to create something from nothing. We can try to manipulate the forces around us, hoping they bend and work for us. There is nothing more in our power, but that is already a great power to have.” She removed her hand and the world turned back to how it was before. I blinked a few times to adjust back to normal – as normal as the spirit realm was, anyway.
I saw the one flaw in what she was saying. “Wasn’t this realm created from nothing?”
She paused in her walk back to her chair. After a moment she regarded me carefully. “I do believe you are the first in a long time to realize this.” For a moment she twirled her hair as she thought. “There was a Creator who made this realm. They didn’t give us the keys to access it, just a list of possibilities.”
“How do you know all these small details?” I asked curiously.
“As Keeper of the Gate, I was able to unravel all my past lives. I’ve always ended up as Keeper. It’s my fate, if you believe that sort of thing.” Mist rolled her eyes at her own words. “Still, time and again, it has proven true. I end up here, and you take over for me.”
“What?” No, I didn’t want a part of this. Forget it. “I don’t want to be taking over something like this.”
“I will admit, it’s not ideal pushing you into this role when you are so new to your gifts, but I believe once you can see your past you’ll understand again. You’ll see why this plan, though not pleasant, is the quickest. The best. We need to act soon, if not now.” The urgency in her voice was impossible to ignore.
Inwardly, I groaned. There was no way I was just going to ask someone to be a martyr when we might have more options. I did have an idea, though. “Okay, this is a lot to process. I will take you up on learning whatever past there is to learn. Maybe that’ll show me something different.”
“I don’t want you to get your hopes up, my dear. I’ve known your soul for too long, and know when you see there isn’t a better way, it will hurt you deeply,” Mist replied sadly.
Too late. My hopes were high that I could do this. Let me be crushed. “I guess we’ll see how this plays out.”
Mist looked off into the distance for a moment. “I’ve called a few helpers. This area cannot be left unguarded.”
This area didn’t look special at all. In fact, it looked almost exactly the same as the rest of the realm I had seen. There were just some floating chairs in the middle of silver-blue nothing. I wasn’t going to point that out though. Instead, I waited silently until three people appeared. Mist nodded her thanks, placed a hand on my shoulder, and off we went.
When the world stopped spinning the first thing I noticed was all the trees. It was clear we were far from the spirit realm but I had no idea where we were. The sun was shining brightly, and the leaves danced in a breeze I couldn’t feel. The forest around us wasn’t very dense and not too far away I could see a small hill. Cut into the hill was a small altar, more broken than not. While not knowing the exact location, I knew this must be the physical gate between realms.
Without prompting I made my way over to it. The magic that radiated off of it was barely noticeable. It felt like a mix of normal and spiritual magic with a hint of something I couldn’t describe. Likely from the combination of demon and Blessed magics. Maybe even the Creator? Who was to say? As I reached it, something within me screamed, a sense of deja vu. I knew I had never been here before, but Mist had said she knew me from other lives. Maybe there was something to that after all.
I was about to ask how this all worked when it slowly started coming to me. Feeling a strange compulsion, I tried to move the debris from the altar. Of course, it didn’t work. Frustrated I looked at Mist.
“Is there any way of making this work without my human form?” I demanded.
“That would be too easy,” Mist shook her head. “There is not.”
“Then how can I even do this? We’re trapped at Reawakening right now.” I didn’t even try to hide my frustration.
“There is a way out,” Mist said, walking slowly around the site. “It is, of course, dangerous the way things currently are, but it can be done.”
I waited for her to continue. Mist seemed to be taking in the surroundings. Had she been back here since things were destroyed?
“There’s no one here,” she finally said. “The demons have given up this spot now that their task here is complete. Foolish creatures.” She beamed. “Getting here is not hard. It’s just a mile away from Reawakening.” She pointed east. “An easy distraction should work…” Mist’s voice trailed off as she thought about something. “They seem to be watching your friend the most. They’d do anything to get at a Blessed. If she trains in a far enough location you may be able to get here without any issue. Though I’d see if Marella is willing to help. It never hurts to play it safe.”
I thought about what she said and where we were. Was it worth the risk? There weren’t too many options. Eventually, I’d have to make my way here regardless. A plan came to mind. It wasn’t too shabby, but getting Marella to help would be a nice backup.
“How does one get in contact with Marella?” I asked, working through the plan mentally.
“There is an altar dedicated to chaos. Most pray to be relieved of it. That would be the easiest way to reach her if no other knows her location,” Mist replied.
I wanted a better map of this area and considered walking back to Reawakening in this form when I remembered I could just float. Willing myself up and over the trees, I saw the path I would need to take. Another backup idea came to mind. Nodding to myself, I met with Mist on the ground once more.
“I guess things just weren’t meant to be easy were they…” I said mostly to myself. Turning to Mist I added, “I’m ready to go back. I have some things to work on.”
“Don’t take too long,” Mist emphasised before taking hold of my shoulder.
Back in the room with my body, Mist nodded to me and was gone once more. Danni seemed to have recovered her body and was discussing something with Lliam. The boxes of weapons and blades were spread out.
Danni quickly noticed our arrival, and Mist’s quick departure. “How did it go?”
“I think I’m just meant to have more questions than answers in this life.” I sighed. “Let me get back to myself.” I closed my eyes. While it took more than a few moments, I was able to reconnect with my body much more easily this time. “I’m back with some annoying information and a bad plan.”
“I don't like the sound of that,” Lliam grumbled. “What happened?”
“The way to fix the gate requires too many sacrifices,” I replied. Seeing their confusion, I explained. “It would involve killing the right person and using their soul as a way to rebuild and bind things.”
“Oh heck no.” Danni cringed. “Why are the old ways so distorted?”
“Exactly. Of course, it would be quick, minus dealing with the demons lurking outside our safety net issue… but I can’t do that.” I sighed.
Lliam actually looked sympathetic. “What’s the alternative plan?”
“Unlock my past lives and see if past me has better information. For that I need to get to the physical gate,” I replied.
“That’s not too far from here
.” Danni smiled. “I’m not sure exactly how to get there, but I heard it’s just a couple of miles away.”
“Less than a couple.” I nodded. “I know the location, but we need a distraction. The demons have been focused on watching Lydia practice. I’m not sure if there’s a way to get them all to focus on her. We should also get Marella as backup. Getting out may be easier than getting back in. Maybe they’ll both be difficult. I don’t know.” I felt exhausted, mentally and physically.
Danni took in my sudden drop of energy and glanced over at Lliam. “Can you find Marella?”
He shrugged. “I can try.” Lliam looked over at me. “What do you intend to have me do?”
“Play scout,” I replied honestly. “I’m sure getting to the shrine will be easy for you, and you can lead the way or stand there and just be a beacon for us.”
“Us?” Danni looked confused. Seeing Danni’s surprised look, Lliam laughed and disappeared.
“You’re coming with me,” I replied.
“I… I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Danni replied honestly. “I can’t fight demons.”
“You can phase through them, and you can deal with restless spirits. I’ve no idea what will actually happen at the shrine. I need your help.”
Dani sighed. “I really hate this plan.”
“It’s better than killing someone at an altar and sacrificing their soul,” I replied cheerfully.
“This has got to be one of the worst things I’ve ever agreed to help with.” Danni shook her head. “Okay, we’re going to do this then.”
“Do you have any other magic aside from this spirit stuff?” I asked, wanting to have all options available.
“Healing.” Dani shrugged. “I actually can also infect, but that doesn’t do much good.”
“What?” I asked, surprised.
“I can heal like any healer, but I can also do the opposite and cause infections. I can cause a body to turn on itself. Destroying someone isn’t hard for me. Too bad I doubt it works on demons. They’re kind of too hot and coal-like for me to try it on them,” Danni explained a little further.
“Yeah, I doubt it’d work too, but that’s one heck of a magical talent.” I could see why she hadn’t mentioned it prior.
Danni shrugged at me, the same awkward way she had when we first met. I could tell she didn’t like her gifts, but maybe someday it would come in handy.
For a moment we sat in silence before Danni finally spoke up, “You need your rest.”
“I’m fine,” I tried to assure her.
“You’re not used to going back and forth between your body and spirit form. You’re past tired.” Danni wasn’t leaving room for argument.
Still, I tried. “I’m more than fine. We’ll finish creating a plan, see what needs to be set into motion and when. Then I’ll rest.”
“You can’t even walk easily,” Dani replied.
I blinked in surprise. I hadn’t tried to get up. I truly did feel exhausted, but I didn’t think I would be that bad.
Getting up, I found my legs were shaky. I wouldn’t be able to get far easily. Standing up next to me, Danni didn’t even ask before taking hold of my arm and pouring healing energy into me. After a few moments, I felt much better.
“It won’t hold long, but we can at least get you to your room,” Danni said, motioning for us to leave. “Remem-ber, this isn’t my first time working with someone new at this. I know all the signs and have lived them myself.”
“Blah blah…” I mocked jokingly before adding, “Thank you for the extra help.”
“Of course.” She smiled and happily lead the way out.
Chapter 19
As we headed back, Lydia joined us. She looked at me and shook her head.
“What have you even been doing?” she asked tiredly.
“It’s a story, that’s for sure.” I yawned.
“And we’ll figure out the details tomorrow,” Danni warned me and nodded toward Lydia. “Make sure she gets some sleep.”
“Sure thing.” Lydia watched her go and then turned her eyes on me. “Spill.”
We continued walking back. “Either I find a better plan, or I need to sacrifice someone to use their soul to rebuild things as we know it,” I replied. Watching her face turn bleak made me laugh for a moment. There was no humor, just a tired, sad sound. So, I dove into all the details. Even the ones I hadn’t given Danni. Her soul would be perfect and I really didn’t want to put that burden on her. It wasn’t fair.
After that, I explained everything else. Getting to the spirit realm, the changes in appearances, and all the silver-blue nothing. There were so many useless details I told Lydia, but I knew if I stopped talking for long I’d fall asleep. I didn’t want to just sleep on things, I wanted to feel prepared for the day to come.
“Right about now I wish you could have your own Blessed contract. You could slay your own demons if they get in the way and not have to rely on Marella,” Lydia grumbled as we laid on the bed together. “Why is magic so weird? Why can’t one be fully in charge of their own fate? Souls shouldn’t be able to be stolen away.”
“Agreed, but maybe it’s for the best. I need to be more creative, and creative solutions are exactly what we need here.” I gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
She was silent for a moment. “This journey has turned into so many things.”
“It’s turned into so many things since we started, yes,” I agreed. “I don’t even know where to begin, or which way is up anymore, but we need to solve this soon. Can you imagine Romulus breaking free once more? The damage he’s already caused is a terrible headache, and I don't want to even think about all the spare time he’s had to plot and scheme.” It was a frightening idea. He wasn’t beyond any tricks, traps, or deals.
We sat in silence contemplating the possibilities of what could happen if this failed. If we failed.
“I don’t know if me trying to distract the demons will be enough,” Lydia admitted.
“I don’t think it’ll be enough for long.” I agreed. “If any one of them figures out we’ve left, that’s it. We’re more than likely done for.”
“There may be another option. I’ll have to see if I can make it work.” Lydia smiled at me and got up from the bed. “I’ll be back.”
“Where are you going?” I asked, getting ready to come with her.
“Sleep. I promise I’ll be back soon.” She glared at me until I sat down.
“Promise?” I raised an eyebrow at her.
“Sleep.” She nodded, crossed her arms, and wouldn’t budge until I finally laid down and closed my eyes.
I heard the door open and close, and not long after sleep consumed me.
It was cloudy, so instead of sun awakening me, a tapping at the door did. I didn’t remember Lydia coming to bed, but her arms were wrapped around me. Carefully, I removed them and went to answer the door.
Danni was on the other side, clearly tired but ready for the day.
“What’s going on?” I yawned at her in greeting.
“Is Lydia awake?” Danni asked.
I glanced behind me and opened the door for Danni to see in. “Nope.”
“Oh. I wanted to talk with her. Darn it.” Danni hung her head for a moment, thinking.
“I can wake her.” I motioned for Danni to follow.
After a few nudges, I got a grumbled response. “Hm?” Lydia mumbled, turning to press her full face into the pillow.
“Get up sleepy head, we’ve got company,” I said softly.
“Forget them,” she grumbled.
“They’re already here.” I laughed.
Lydia peeked out, took in the sight of Danni, and grumbled into the pillow, “Too early.”
“I can come back…” Danni trailed off.
“No, it’s okay.” Lydia yawned as she sat up. “What’s up?”
“Lliam said he overheard you trying to get help, and I wanted to see if it worked. Lliam is getting help too,” Danni replied.
This caught her attention. “My plan’s sort of in motion.” Lydia looked over at me. “I managed to get an angel to hear me out and direct some help this way. I don’t know when anyone will get here to help, but it would be a much more suitable distraction for sure.”
“Oh, that would be great.” I breathed a sigh of relief. “Think they’ll actually get help for us?”
“Of course. He said he would, and within the next day or two, there should be several Blessed. Though I’m not sure if they’ll come together or not, now that I think about that. Ugh, that makes it worse in a way.” Lydia shook her head, then she looked at Danni. “What can Lliam do to help?”
“Blessed spirits can use that shield thing to keep us secret from spirits instead of demons. It’s not the most helpful thing, but we don’t need to fight both spirits and demons then.” Danni explained.
“Have more been troublesome?” I asked curiously.
Danni shrugged. “Only a few. I don’t like handling them, but it’s better than the alternative.” Her tired appearance was starting to make sense. I had no idea what she did in her spare time, but it would seem handling this problem was on the list.
“So, when should we throw this into play?” I wondered aloud. “We won’t exactly know when any Blessed are on their way.”
“Well, actually Lliam can spot them.” Danni closed her eyes for a few moments and then smiled. “He’ll be here shortly. I’m sure he’ll enjoy being part of the action again. Damned Blessed complain too much when there’s nothing disastrous going on.”
“Sounds about right.” Lydia smirked in agreement.
Lliam appeared and took in the sight of our trio. “What did I miss?”
Danni glanced over at him. “We’ve got some Blessed help on their way. Think you can spot them and get us a reasonable estimation of when they’ll arrive?”
Lliam shrugged. “I can try.” He gave us a wink and with that, he was gone.
“Perfect. That’s a good start on things.” Danni smiled.
Lydia shrugged. “I’m guessing he said he’d help?”
“Oh right, yes. He’ll be back as soon as he has more information.” Danni told her.