The three survivors were confused and somewhat terrified at what was surrounding them. Their eyes darted from one Thulecitian to the next, trying to understand just what in the world they had gotten themselves into.
Winona was trying to shake herself loose, as was Willow.
"Let go of me you creeps!" Winona growled. "I can take you all with my eyes shut!"
"What she said! I'll burn you all to the ground!" Willow snarled. "We were just looking for our friend! We've done nothing wrong!"
"Silence!" Toka snarled. "Say what you want in your strange tongue but know we do not take kindly to threats."
"Speak English!" Winona narrowed her eyes. "I can't understand one darn word out of your weird mouths"
"Winona, stop, please." William begged. "They're not messing around. They just said to be quiet."
"YOU BE QUIET BEANPOLE!"
Wilson hurried over, hesitating a bit but he didn't want them to get hurt or in more trouble than they already were in.
"Toka! Raku! Excuse me!"
The two guards looked up.
"Do you know these people?"
The three looked up at Wilson, all confused at the sight of him and clearly didn't recognize who he was.
"Do you know what that thing just said?" Winona asked William.
"He just said their names. He apparently wanted their attention. They just asked him if he knows us. Odd question but… something seems familiar about that one."
Wilson frowned at them before looking to the two. "They're my friends. The ones that I've been separated from. Please, don't harm them."
Raku and Toka looked to each before nodding. They looked to their fellow guards.
"Let them go. They are friends of Wilson."
The guards nodded, letting the trio go, backing off to give them space to stand.
William sighed in relief, dusting himself off… but couldn't help but stare at Wilson.
I… I think I heard that right but… is that really Wilson right there?
Willow and Winona were still keeping their guard up as Wilson came up to them. He looked to William first.
"Can you please tell them it's me? I'll explain later how this happened but I'd like to get you out of this crowd first."
William nodded though came closer, looking at him carefully.
"So it is you… I… How…" William shook his head. "Right you said you would explain but… goodness I'm intrigued to know what happened."
"What are you babbling about with that bug guy, William?" Willow asked, raising an eyebrow. "And how in the heck do you know what they're saying but we don't?"
"Dark Knowledge and Maxwell for why I understand these creatures and he's not just some "bug guy", Willow." He looked back to Wilson. "It's Wilson."
Willow looked at William and back to Wilson, her eyes going wide.
"... Wildork!?"
Wilson looked at her, clearing his throat and made sure he was speaking English instead of Thuleicitan as he spoke to her.
"Y-Yes, Willow."
"Ya gotta be kidding me." Winona walked over, looking him over. "What in tarnation happened!?"
"It's a long story but let's get you out of this crowd first." Wilson looked to Laika. "Laika, a little help?"
Laika nodded, helping part the crowd as Wilson lead them into the resting quarters, sitting down on a bed in front of them, Laika soon joining them.
"The others have been ordered to go about their business but Ignis will probably want to see us all soon on the matter of knowing what is happening. For now, we can just talk."
Wilson nodded, looking to his friends, seeing they were all still staring at him though quickly stopped as soon as he laid eyes on him.
"Okay, spill." Winona crossed her arms. "Why the heck are you a bug thing?"
"A new friend of mine, someone who IS a Thulecitian - not a bug thing - fell and cracked open a cursed chest when we found trouble. It morphed her into a young human woman and I into a male Thulicitian."
"And is this permanent?" William asked.
"No, thank science it isn't." Wilson gave a reassuring look. "According to the chief and shaman of this village this curse should wear off in three days. We have two to go."
"That's good to hear though kind of sucks you're stuck like that." Winona tilted her head. "That has to be weird walking on legs like that."
"It is strange."
Laika remained silent, just observing. She could only guess what they were talking about.
"But regardless, I'll be back to myself soon and I'm sure my new friends would be more than happy to help us with that cave we found and help us get back to the surface."
"Except one problem Wildork - we can't communicate with them."
"But I can." Wilson pointed to himself. "I know their language and can understand them perfectly. I'll act as a translator for both ends."
Willow nodded looking to the others. "Sound good?"
"We'll have to make due."
William nodded, sighing in relief. We can at least relax for a bit.
"The sooner we can leave the better."
William scowled a bit at hearing Maxwell's voice.
"What? Got a bad record with these people too?"
Shut it.
"You seem rather touchy about these people. Something you want to tell me?"
One more word and it's a migraine for a week. Understand?
William went quiet, nodding to himself.
"Why don't you all rest a minute. The Chief will probably be here soon but least get a little rest in." Wilson said.
The three nodded, deciding to wander around the area, save Willow who stayed with Wilson, now standing right in front of him. Wilson frowned, seeing she was still staring at his form, baffled.
"I know… It's weird."
Willow shook her head. "No… Well, okay, that'd be a lie. A big fat lie. It looks weird but it's in the "you still look like you" than look like a stranger. I'm just wondering how I didn't notice right then and there."
"I don't exactly have my signature hair anymore or clothes or… anything. The only thing I have is my face and my eyes in some regard." He looked at the rest of himself. "The rest… I wouldn't be surprised if you saw me as just a stranger."
Willow took one of his hands into hers. "But you're still you in there. So it'll take a bit getting used to… I don't care. I'm just glad you're not dead."
Wilson looked at her surprised before his look softened, a small smile coming to his face.
"Sorry I scared you again, Willow. I really need to get better about it."
"That you do, Wildork." She moved closer, cupping on his cheeks in her hands. "That you do."
He leaned into her hand, churring a bit, though stopping quickly, blushing a bit.
"Ehehehe… Excuse me."
Willow smiled, leaning her forehead against his. "Do that again."
Wilson hesitated before doing so, churring lightly.
She relaxed her shoulders, closing her eyes listening. This was still Wilson. The Wilson she'd grown to care for.
"You can be cute for a scientist, y'know?"
Wilson chuckled, blushing a bit.
"I-I suppose." He brought Willow into his arms, hugging her close. "S-Sorry I… I just… I missed you."
She hugged him tightly, resting her head on his shoulder.
"I missed you too, Wildork."
Wilson rested his head against hers.
"I'm so glad you're safe."
Willow nuzzled him, relaxing in his arms. "I'm glad you're okay too."
"Oh, Willow."
He hesitated before kissing her head, stroking her hair. Willow sighed happily, kissing his cheek in return.
"You dork."
"Yes but I'm your dork."
Willow smiled, closing her eyes.
"Darn right."
Wilson smiled, keeping her close.
Laika smiled at the sight giggling.
"Cute." Laika looked to the others. William was keeping to himself, looking at structure details and Winona pacing about the room. Laika tilted her head. "Hey, Wilson, I think something is bothering one of your friends."
Wilson looked to over to Winona, seeing she had an irritated look on her face.
"Something wrong, Winona?" Wilson asked.
"Just a little frustrated here." Winona ran a hand through her hair, one of her eyes twitching a little. "I can barely understand any of the dialect here and just… gah... We got lead to some place by my sister and we still don't know WHY she wanted us there."
Laika blinked.
"Um… Is she angry about something?"
"English. PLEASE." Winona snarled at her.
Laika backed away a little.
"Wilson, she's a scary human."
Wilson gave Winona a frustrated look. "Winona, none of us want to be in this situation but please don't let it get to you."
Winona sighed, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Sorry. That was out of line. I think the whole insanity thing Beanpole kept yapping about kind of got to me."
William cringed.
"Yes, we were out traversing the caves during a nightmare cycle and well… you get the idea."
Laika tilted her head.
"I have no idea what anyone just said. Did they say they were sorry or were they explaining why they were angry?"
Wilson patted her head. "Winona was just apologizing and explaining that she had an encounter with the nightmare cycle as well."
"That too. Hard to get along with just one translator."
William looked to Laika.
"I sadly can't speak their language. I only understand what they say which is odd. I would think Maxwell would know how to speak the dialect."
"That is a good question."
"Don't expect an answer anytime soon, Magician."
William sighed.
"He's been acting strange since we found that cave and I don't know why so he's not letting me access certain things in regards to his knowledge."
"I noticed too…Wait… The cave." Wilson looked to Laika. "Laika, I forgot to ask this and I really should have earlier but do you know anything about the cave I was in when we met?"
Laika nodded.
"Not a lot but I do know that it is the only place where you can access to the Ancient Gateway if you know the codes for the panels."
William's eyes widened.
"Gateway?"
"Laika… What do you know about this gateway?" Wilson asked, placing both hands on her shoulders. Could it be… Could we have a way home!?
"From what I remember from stories, the Ancient Gateway was capable of traveling to other worlds that were somehow connected to The Constant, including a world where the nightmare monsters came from. It hasn't been used since the fall of the great city but it could go anywhere. I don't know much else. The rest is something Ignis might know more about than me."
"The Constant?" William blinked. "That's… the name of this world? I thought it was always known as the Shadow World."
Maxwell… is this true?
The man felt anxiety bubbleup but it was not his own.
"It's not known as that anymore. I ensured that much."
But you know the name… Maxwell, what's the matter with you? This isn't like you.
"No more questions PLEASE. I just want to get out of this place as soon as possible and far away from these Thulecitians. I don't want to be here!"
Maxwell, I know this isn't a place you want to be but you have to help us. Please. We need to know-
"No, no, no, NO!"
William cringed, holding his head.
Laika's eyes widened, hurrying over to him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Are you alright, Sir?"
William shook his head, while these feelings weren't his own, he was still feeling them head on. Anxiety, fear, panic.
Maxwell, you have to calm down.
"I SAID NO MORE QUESTIONS!"
That wasn't a question!
"I… I can't. I can't! Just shut UP!"
Maxwell…
"Sir…?"
William looked to Laika, her eyes growing wide as she saw one of the eyes had a slitted pupil and was slightly black. She backed away instantly, getting in a battle ready stance.
"Laika, stand down!" Wilson said, hurrying over to William, getting between him and Laika. He turned to William, putting his hands on his shoulders. "William, what's the matter?"
William couldn't speak. He was frozen in terror. Wilson could feel the man's shoulders shaking.
Maxwell, pull it together, you're making a scene
"I CAN'T. I… I can't stay here. I can't… Please… Please, just leave Higgsbury here. Just let me leave!"
"What is going on here?"
All turned their heads to the entryway to see Ignis was now present, a serious look on his face. Everyone turned to him fully, Laika immediately bowing in respect.
"My Chief… I was just explaining something to them and… I don't know. Something seems to be wrong with one of their companions."
Ignis raised and eyebrow as he eyed William, noting his state. He made his way over, Wilson moving out of the way as he let the Thulecitian look at the man carefully. William was completely stiff now, not daring to move.
Ignis raised his staff, the magic emanating from it again as he held it close to William. William's body relaxed and Maxwell's anxiety started to fade as well.
"You're an interesting one." Ignis said. "Your vessel holds two beings. One that is of another world and one… that is of our beloved Constant."
William let out a slow breath of relief as he felt the fear leave, lowering his gaze.
"Y-Yes, Sir... " He murmured.
Ignis placed a hand under the man's chin, having his eyes meet with his, allowing Ignis to see the one discolored eye.
"It's familiar… but that's a matter to discuss at a another time. Right now, I want to understand what caused the panic. What were you discussing?"
Wilson stepped forward.
"Well, we were discussing the reason we're here in the first place and why I ran into Laika. We were sent by someone known as Charlie to research an area she had found. It was a cave with markings and odd equipment. Laika told us it's an entryway to something known as the Ancient Gateway. Is this true?"
Ignis nodded.
"Yes. It hasn't been used in centuries but it is still there like it was during the time of the great city."
"Laika mentioned that. She said it had fallen."
"Yes. Due to the abuse of nightmare fuel and the nightmare monsters that came from another world that threw ours out of balance. The king of old tried to stop them but his foolishness of thinking he had control got the better of him and cost him his freedom and his beloved queen and many of our people." Ignis lowered his gaze, sighing. "Our people don't have the proudest history in regards to our king. He was wise but he was also foolish in not heeding the warnings of his companion."
Wilson thought back to the obelisk again.
"... I think I saw images of those two. They were on an obelisk in the cave."
"Those are them." Ignis nodded. "That obelisk does recount their history of their use of the Ancient Gateway. Metheus as we call the tale, in honor of the queen's title as the one who bared the light to save her lover."
Wilson frowned as he thought back to the image. "I see…"
"Hey, something else I'm wondering about. William said something about Maxwell when we were looking for you." Willow spoke up, thinking back. "That… these things we saw on walls might have created him?"
Ignis looked back to William, looking at him carefully, seeing fear in the discolored eye.
"Hm… I don't know of any Maxwell from our history. The king was said to have created certain beings in attempt to restore balance… actually." Ignis made his way for the entryway. "This way, please."
All gave a confused look till Wilson translated what had been said. The others followed without question, William keeping close to Wilson, the man shaking a bit.
Wilson frowned, holding one of his hands.
"I'm sure he's not going to harm you."
"Wilson… this isn't normal for him. Maxwell had a panic attack. I know what that feels like. He had a meltdown." The man closed his eyes tightly. "I don't want to go through that again. I felt totally powerless."
"It'll be okay. I promise." Wilson gave a gentle look. "We'll figure this out."
They soon arrived at Ignis' throne room. Ignis lifted his staff, pointing to the tapestries above his throne. All followed his gaze, seeing two beings sitting on the sides what looked like a Thulecitian on a throne that was weeping. One being consisted of various shades of light blue, holding small orbs that were of similar color in their hands. The other being, was shades of gray and black, holding fragmented pieces of a shadow flame.
"The two beings portrayed by King Tenebrae's sides are the beings known as Magnus Lux and Magnus Umbra. Beings that were created to help restore the balance to The Constant."
Wilson translated again, everyone eyes' going wide.
"There were two.." Wilson said, looking at each one closely. "Lux, means light.. Umbra is for darkness so… Oh goodness."
"MAKE HIM SHUT UP!"
William flinched hearing Maxwell's scream inside his head, biting his lip to keep from speaking up.
Is this true…?
"SHUT UP!"
William's grip on Wilson's hand tightened.
Ignis frowned at this.
"It is unknown what has become of those two beings. It is said they still exist and are still trying to restore balance to The Constant but as it stands, things are still coming apart at the seams." Ignis shook his head. "I don't know what intentions you have with the Ancient Gateway or in particular what your queen had in mind but I will warn this. If you want to attempt to use it, it will come with great danger. It is unknown what will be on the other side."
Wilson frowned, hesitating a bit before translating for the others to understand.
"I'm sure we could handle it." Winona crossed her arms. "Whatever it is, I bet we could."
"She has no idea what she speaks of."
Maxwell… Please just answer a question or two.
"I swear I am going to start screaming if you do not stop. I will make you DEAF."
Even so, that threat sounded empty… and was out there as far as Maxwell's usual threats. There was a sad tone to his voice.
William felt it as well. Not the panicked anxiety from before… just sadness.
Ignis looked to all of them.
"I see you show no fear of the unknown… Very well. I shall help you access the gateway but I believe we should wait till Wilson is no longer cursed."
Wilson nodded.
"Agreed."
"What'd he say?" Winona asked.
"He said he will help us with using the Ancient Gateway but it will have to wait till I'm back to normal."
"Alright, then we got time to prepare." Willow grinned. "I can make some fire darts!"
Wilson chuckled. "Just don't go having target practice in the village."
"I won't."
Ignis chuckled.
"Please, make yourselves at home." Ignis looked to Laika. "Laika?"
Laika bowed.
"I shall do my best to assist them."
Ignis nodded.
"I shall speak with our scientist in regards to the Ancient Gateway. For now, you are all free to go."
Wilson nodded relaying this message to the others, them soon nodding and following him out along with Laika. William lingered for a moment, his eyes focused on the image of the being known as Magnus Lux.
Ignis took note of this.
"William, was it?"
William nodded.
"I can't speak with you right now but would you please come by tomorrow? I would like to speak to you and your other half privately about something. No listening ears. Just you, me and Maxwell. Sound fair?"
William looked at the tapestries before looking back to Ignis. "Yes, Sir. It sounds plenty fair."
Ignis nodded.
"Very good. Now, go."
William nodded before hurrying off to join the others, Ignis keeping his eyes locked on him till he was out of sight. He shook his head, heading off to tend to his own matters.
Such a familiar sight.
