Hello again! Sorry for the long wait; things have been a little hectic. Here's the next chapter in "The Lazerus Project." As before, I don't own any of these characters.
Oh, one thing I should mention: In case you haven't noticed, my version of Klarion is based mainly on the blue-skinned, Grant Morrison "Seven Soldiers of Victory" version, rather than the TV Young Justice iteration. Where I live, I can't get "Young Justice," even online, due to the slowness of my connection, hence the difference. (Or, if you prefer, the version found in Robin #158, or Batgirl #18.) Be that as it may, I hope you enjoy it!
Klarion and Greta: The Lazerus Project: Chapter 7
Descent
Klarion stood looking at the cave's entrance. It wasn't particularly impressive, unless you knew its history. It was one of those peculiar places on the earth where, for reasons unguessable, the lines between realities tended to blur a bit. Every once in a while, someone, some human, would attempt to explore it. Most of the time, they came back with nothing out of the ordinary to report.
Most of the time.
Sometimes they didn't come back at all.
Searchers would, on occasion, find a body, or not, as the case may be. It was usually chalked up to "death by misadventure."
But Klarion's people had known about the cave for a very long time. They knew where it led to, or, more accurately, where it could lead to, under the right circumstances, at the right time of year. They tended to avoid it for that very reason.
I must be more desperate than I thought, he thought to himself. But he couldn't see himself turning away, not at this point.
He checked his pockets for his supplies. Once inside the cave, there would be no turning back.
All was clear. He made a last stargaze; yes, the planets were in alignment. Good, good. "Now, Teekl, remember the plan," he told his familiar.
Brother Klarion, I cannot foresee any good outcome to this. Is this wise?
Klarion sighed, something he didn't do all that much. Then, "It is probably unwise, but I have never let that deter me before. But do not be too worried; I am prepared for what awaits within." As prepared as I can be, he thought privately.
Those sound uncomfortably like what the humans call "famous last words."
"We shall see," he murmured. Then, before he could talk himself out of it, strode briskly into the cavern entrance.
Once inside, he fished a small candle out of one of his pockets. He dared not light it, especially not here, but a simple location spell enabled him to use it as an aerial compass, floating in the air and pointing towards his destination. He shivered slightly, and not entirely from the cold. Pulling his jacket around him, he proceeded into the hungry darkness within.
