Bittersweet

[deraj]

He eagerly followed after her into the mirror. The sensation of going through that portal was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It reminded him of the purity of childhood strangely enough. He had little time to enjoy the passing memories for as soon as he passed through, he realized that he was falling.

When he got up from the rather hard fall, he saw Vexxus smiling down at him.

"I probably should have warned you..."

She offered a kind hand and he gratefully took it. Everything seemed a bit off here even after he reminded himself that he was within an enchanted mirror. All of the angles were … off? Everything seemed to spin and undulate at first. Deraj was certain that if his body still worked as a living one should, he would have vomited. He took solace in the fact that he was dead.

"It's kind of nauseating, but you'll get used to it. This is what the best of the best ancient mages do to keep their secrets. The mirror-like state will keep the place from aging, as well as the fact that nothing can be removed except for what's transferred into here."

She gestured at his head and he nodded. It did not take him to adjust his perception to make sense of the otherworldly geometries. The haze lifted from him and he took it all in. The chamber was vast, so vast that he could not gauge how huge it truly was. He partly blamed this on the strange laws that seemed to govern this place. It was as beautiful as it was intimidating. Candles lay everywhere about the chamber.

It was neither hot nor cold in this place. The tall flames on the candles did not waver, even as Deraj and Vexxus moved about the chamber. There was no breeze nor anything that one could exactly call air in that place. Time or any of those things dependent upon it seemed meaningless there.

Then he noticed the divine hum. He could sense the excessive power that seemed to be everywhere. Everything seemed to resonate with those heavenly tones. Deraj was enraptured by the unchanging nature of the place.

Everything seemed entirely too familiar. It was like coming home. Deraj wished that he and Vexxus could remain there forever.

[Vexxus]

As she and Deraj moved about; taking in the scene, she readied herself both mentally and physically.

"Don't be deceived, there is a certain peace about this, yes...but part of the point of this place is protecting whatever secret is here. Sometime, which I suspect is very soon, there will be challenges. Whether it be physical enemies, or mental challenges, I do not know for certain. They cannot hurt us, per se, but they will force us out of the mirror; and they cannot be killed." She began to take mental note of the placement of things as she explained, "It's like a puzzle. If we do not pass the test; we are not worthy of the information contained herein."

The room was very large indeed; but it was the only thing that existed. There was no doorways, no exits, no windows. There wasn't even a roof; for there hung a darkness that appeared to act as a ceiling, but it was very high up. As they moved around, they did not touch anything. Simply observing what was there, and waiting, for something to come. There was one book that seemed to draw their attention; which Vexxus assumed was what Deraj was after. Many other books which probably contained vast amounts of useful information were stacked in various places; with a sort of "Order-in-chaos" feel to the whole scene. A large horse, and a large dragon statue stood at either end of the room. These most likely was some sort of symbolism for the mage who created it, and were of no concern to them.

They waited, it seemed, for a long time. Whatever they were waiting for, did not come. Vexxus was puzzled. "Perhaps...the challenge does not start until we try to tamper with the information?" They had been avoiding touching anything, as to not create extra trouble for themselves.

[deraj]

Nothing seemed to be hidden. The only thing that went unseen in that place was the ceiling. The initial awe did not wane but Deraj merely adjusted to it. It was only then that he took note of her comment about how only the best of ancient mages have their own little magical realms like this. He did not know if he should be honored for not being considered so old or insulted for not being considered as one of the best mages. He wasn’t exactly a traditional practitioner of magic so he decided to take it as compliment.

He was curious as to what great test awaited them. They watched and waited but nothing came.

How does one gauge if someone is worthy of knowledge? This particular mage who is the master of this place is arrogant. What is the harm in spreading knowledge? It would be a monk that would horde his knowledge… but I find it hard to think that such a mage would have simply flee with the rest of the monks. Though also I find it hard to believe that such people condone the magical arts at all or at least to this extent. Maybe this cloister was built on older foundations. What delicious irony! Unable to destroy this place, the good brothers make it a lesson and constant reminder.

"Perhaps...the challenge does not start until we try to tamper with the information?"

Deraj grew tired of waiting. He felt no apprehension and sensed nothing evil in this place.

“I hate waiting. I’m going for it. That book is calling to me.” He boldly walked over to the marble lectern on which the grandiose tome rested. He admired the beauty of it. There was no distinguishing title on the cover or spine, only intricate scrollwork done in gold leaf that seemed to posses a life of its own. Deraj recognized the materials and workmanship at once and was brought again back to the era of his original lifespan. He ran his fingers across the oiled leather cover of the book and considered the heavy golden latch. In a reminiscent tone he said, “They don’t make books like they used to.”

He picked up the book and enjoyed the weight, cradling it in his arm as he would a child. He did not lie when he said that called out to him. Nothing felt more natural than holding that book. Even now it sang at his touch. The book opened of its own accord and flipped to a specific page. Deraj laughed when he saw what was on there. Not wanting Vexxus to miss whatever would be revealed, he gestured with his head for her to come and join him.

The pictures moved on their own. In the crude but bold style of early religious art, man and a dragon walked up a mountainside toward a structure that possessed the same bold features as the monastery.

[Vexxus]

Vexxus moved to where Deraj was; and gazed at the enchanted pages of the book.

Her breath came faster and her eyes widened as she saw the picture of their earlier stroll up the hill to the monastery. She watched with increasing curiosity as to exactly what this book would do; for she had never yet encountered an enchanted book as such.

"Wow..." She breathed, barely audibly.

[deraj]

He knew from her expression that she recognized what she saw. He wasn’t sure if he heard her say, “Wow” or not. It could have been a sound made from the page turning. Deraj wondered why it was necessary for a page to turn if the illuminated pages could simply rearrange themselves but instead of voicing his opinion he watched as two more scenes unfolded simultaneously on the two open pages.

The left page displayed the chaos that had taken place within the monastery as the news of their arrival spread. Ambiguous brown forms leapt from windows. Others could be seen hanging through the windows of the cloister. One monk quickly appeared in the foreground climbing up a hill with a large book under his arm. This lone monk cast one glance at the readers. He smirked and narrowed his glowing red eyes. A fork tongue issued forth from his mouth as if to hiss before the image froze in place and the color faded.

On the right page stood a band of mounted knights. They appeared to be standing on a cliff that overlooked the back of the holy compound. Deraj cast a quick glance on the other page to notice their shadowy team standing on a distant cliff. The knight nearest the edge was larger in stature than the rest. As the madness ensued below, he cast his icy blue eyes to the ground and shook his head. The rest of the band nodded in grave understanding. Solemnly, the leader turned his steed around and galloped into the background.

Nearly before Deraj could make sense of what he saw, the book flipped through another set of pages before stopping. Suddenly, Deraj was overcome with a sense of dread. He became certain that he did not want to see what would come next. Before he could just shut the book and spare Vexxus and himself from the next set of horrors, the book became as rigid as stone and the gold scrollwork detached itself from cover. It gently slithered around Deraj’s forearms, which were now blocked from view by the book. They weren’t constrictive but neither did they give when Deraj tried to move, as if to remind him that they had to see this. The book grew warm and the next scene unfolded.

[Vexxus]

Deraj grew tense, and Vexxus glanced at his face. It was tinged with fear, dread, and something else that she couldn't quite analyze, but it was like something he was keeping locked up was trying to escape beyond his control.

She watched eagerly again, while the knights came, and went into the monastery. The doors...where the mirror is...they will be open! She thought in horror, before the picture in the book confirmed her fears. The knights were standing in front of the mirror, ready to enter, when a falling book jerked Vexxus' gaze away from the picture.

...Sh*t.... She drew her sword, at the great and terrifying parallel image of the red-eyed monk they saw before. He had created a monstrous, demon-like depiction of himself; which now transformed into a serpent-like beast with horns and wings; which were adorned with black spikes much like the spires adorning the towers. It shoved over several stacks of books in it's advance towards Vexxus.

[deraj]

The book still held its tight grip as the demon monk showed himself. As the thing awkwardly lumbered toward Vexxus ,it made a noise that at one time might have been a laugh. As if in response to the laugh, the intricate gold scrollwork turned into black barbed wire and the book itself burst into flame. The thorns could not pierce his armor but Deraj could sense whatever remaining of his decomposing flesh cooking away. Deraj tried to summon an icy wind to put out the flames but all his effort was for naught.

Vexxus had drawn her sword and was ready to attack when Deraj leapt over the lectern and rushed the winged monstrosity. He began to bludgeon the thing with the flaming wad of literature. The thing stopped advancing, stunned from the force of the blows themselves or simply out of surprise to the absurdity of the situation.

[Vexxus]

Vexxus watched as Deraj flung himself at the beast; thwarting its' attack with a flaming mass of pages; some of them floating to the ground or clinging to the creature; burning as brightly as they had from the beginning. While it was distracted, she entered the shadow realm and took dragon form. She readied to attack the beast and was about to send Deraj a thought to move clear of the demon when...

It seemed as if she was frozen in time; she saw Deraj being pried away from the creature's forhead and flung against a wall. Her heartbeat throbbed, as a loud drumming in her head. ...Deraj!... Everything seemed silent save for the ringing in her ears and the beat of her heart.

[deraj]

The beast quickly recovered from the shock. It flapped its monstrous wings in a mad attempt to suppress the flames. Seeing that the source was unrelenting, the creature took one of its massive forearms and flung Deraj and the burning book against a far wall.

As Deraj was sent flying through the air once more, it was as if time decided to slow down. His body bent inward from the initial blow. He could not help but to look at the book. What he saw made him forget his problems at the moment. Though all seemed to have halted about him, the book yet moved. He saw a crude drawing of some revenant in an old suit of armor that wasn’t unlike his own. The armored figure, wizened with time, picked up a crown from the seat of a throne and placed it on its head. As he did this, a light issued forth and covered the entire page. When the light receded, there was no doubt that it was Deraj only this time he was young. The book flipped through a number of pages before stopping on a map revealing the location of where the crown might be found.

[Vexxus]

The book; still in Deraj's hands, left trailing flames as he flew and hit the wall.

Vexxus was enraged. Her form quaked, and increased greatly in size. Her eyes blazed a bright white; and she let out a great dragons' cry which would have silenced the world itself. The demon being virtually invincible; her great form thrust itself at his head. It knocked him down; as well as knocking him unconscious. She breathed out a stream of darkness which enveloped the body and restrained it; then returned to her old form. She went to Deraj; and saw that he was unconscious. The book lay open nearly sliding off his lap now that it wasn't attached, and the pages now blank and lifeless.

"Man, do you get me into situations....now you'll probably apologize for leaving the demon for me to fight..." She chuckled, and turned to see the knights dropping into the realm which they had obviously found.

She drew her sword. "I have restrained the demon mage contained in this world; and we mean you no ill will. What is your purpose?"

[deraj]

The pompous knights rummaged about the magical chamber and did not respond to Vexxus for a long time. Seeing that they could not easily take what they sought without her, the leader spoke, “Waste not our time girl. The revenant and the dragon have come! We must end the beast before the dark prophecy is fulfilled! Stand aside and let us finish what our order has been ordained to do.” With zealotus fervor, the knights strode toward the limp body of Deraj.

[Vexxus]

Vexxus' face twisted into a malicious grin, and she looked at Deraj for a second.

"I do believe...you have found who you are looking for." She stepped in front of the group, blocking them from Deraj's body. She faced the head knight straight on, making direct eye contact.

Pointing her blade directly at his heart, she spoke. "I'm sorry, but he's not going anywhere." Her blue eyes turned a dark pewter grey, and she set her feet firmly; her head down and eyes directed upwards to meet his.

[deraj]

The lead knight guffawed at the audacity of Vexxus. At such a close distance, he was now undeniably as old and wizened as the demon monk. The misguided templar could only manage to stammer when Vexxus placed the tip of her dark blade over where his heart should have been. She did not back down. Her courage did not waver.

The lead knight took note of her boldness and was impressed. When her eyes changed to a darker shade and she took a defensive stance, he spoke. “Your courage is admirable but misplaced. You have involved yourself in matters you cannot possibly begin to comprehend. With each moment that you delay us here within the confines of this enchanted mirror, you welcome in a new dark age in the world beyond. I do not wish to harm a lady but I cannot allow this to happen.”

Deraj began to breathe and moan with an audible effort. He seemed to be fighting something within himself, struggling to break free to the surface of his own mind.

The lead knight forgetting the blade was in front of him, made an attempt to walk forward. The pressure on his chest quickly reminded him of his current predicament. “Quick, before it awakens! It must be stopped now before it becomes aware of its full potential… before it discovers the forbidden secrets it needs to rebuild…”

[Vexxus]

"Don't take a step further." She sneered, glancing at the rest of the knights. "I know exactly what I'm involved in, and there is no getting out of it for me." One of the knights began to advance. She lunged, and sliced his cheek. Blood flung from the tip of her sword, and splattered on the lead knight.

That should let them know I'm serious. This will be fun.
She looked at the blood on the tip of her sword. "Do I really need to soil my blade any more than thus?" She inquired.

[deraj]

Laughter broke out from the confined demon behind the speechless knights. It seemed to wheeze and sputter for a time but eventually it managed to articulate words. In a multitude of voices it spoke, “Leave here Sir Gareth. Can’t you see that the girl has clearly made her decision? You must honor it! I will suffer no more bloodshed in my domain! Get thee hence!”

The lead knight did not turn to openly acknowledge the demon. He closed his eyes and flared his nostrils in frustration. As if honor bound by an oath they all regretted giving, the knights turned and filed out of the chamber without protest.

The demon spoke again, “Forgive my earlier actions but I now know that I was foolish in doubting you.” It looked up from its constraint pose with a playful expression.

Meanwhile, Deraj was struggled to break free of whatever was holding him back.