A/N: Finally, a new chapter and a long one at that! This one is pretty important as it sort of outlines where I'm going with the story. I've received certain messages about Mike's backstory and all I can say is don't worry, that will come with time. I have a chapter planned specifically for it. Oh man, so many surprises still lie ahead. I actually cannot wait until you see Ron interact with the five (oops, future spoiler). Remember if you have any questions feel free to contact me on here or on my Tumblr. Please comment! Thank you for reading!

All rights go to J.K. Rowling and Valiant Comics.


Beyond the Marrow Gates – Deadside

Deadside was like an endless maze filled with many tunnels, twists, turns, and dark corners that made Ron's head turn like vertigo. The sky maintained the dark green and black clouds without any change of the chilling atmosphere. The environment smelled of death. There was no sunshine, no plants, no infrastructure, and no sign of life from any direction. Only small puddles of blood were found dispersed along the slimy dark ground, but there was no water or biological evidence for existence or viability. Deadside was a place of no rest, where intense anguish and isolation offered permanent residence to those now condemned to eternal suffering.

Mike said it was a place of torment and punishment for those with tainted hearts in the world of the living. Ron questioned if this place was truly the resting grounds for all those that passed away, even the good ones. Fred had been on his mind, as well as others he had known that died during the war; those that gave their life to help Harry in his quest to defeat the dark lord. Mike mentioned that good souls do go to a segregated location in Deadside, apart from the evil they were in, but he himself had never been. It was far beyond from where they were now.

After Jaunty had opened the gates, they came out of a small tunnel that led into a large open area surrounded by different levels of stone platforms and ledges that were inhabited by more shrieking wailers. There was a tunnel at the top of a ledge with similar horn-like fangs as those by the Marrow Gates coming out of the ground. Mike had pointed in that direction and told Ron that was their destination. However, since the tunnel lay far above and was unreachable from the area they had traversed into, the duo was making their way by using a different route.

Many other pathways across the large area were present, which only made it too easy to get lost for anyone not familiar, but not for Mike. He had already crossed and traveled beyond every one of these paths and knew by heart which way to reach the top. All Ron could do was follow Mike across the dark and slimy passageways of Deadside, only lit by small orange flames within gas lamps that resembled those from the 1800's and came out from the rock-like walls.

Ron attempted to recall the trails they were travelling through just as he was drilled to do so in his Auror training, but it was hopeless. Almost after every turn, no matter how quiet they traveled, out came a shrieking demon, or a flying gargoyle that attempted to waste them on their feet. Mike had taken Ron into his wing and together they fought off many enemies as they had done so by the Marrow Gates. Blows from Mike's shadow gun and more of Ron's charms were used effectively to eliminate any threat in their way. These little skirmishes were proving to make it difficult to remember the network of paths and hedges. Ron thought it best to keep his guard up for any more surprises.

Mike was impressed at Ron's ability to adapt to Deadside and fighting with limited use of magic. He had been skeptical at how he was to help him recover the Dark Souls, but with every demon they extinguished, with his composed and self-assured demeanor he sustained, the more he had come to respect him. Nonetheless, he knew the area they were in was much more lenient than what other horrors awaited them. He just had to wait and see if Ron was truly prepared for what was in store. The only thing on Mike's mind was thinking about where to find the beehive-like structures known as Govi that Nettie had mentioned.

This was much different than what Ron was pondering over. Despite the many fears and terrors that he had already gone through with Mike, Ron couldn't stop thinking about Hermione. His only beam of light in that damned place. Everything he had witnessed thus far was enough to drive a man insane, but he had her in his heart and in his mind to help him keep going. Through each passageway they walked and ledge they had to climb, past every demon, and shriek of utter horror, Hermione was the one gleam of hope he latched onto. She was still with him, he thought.

He wondered what had become of her now. It felt like hours since he first crossed the veil, but was informed by Mike that not even a mere ten minutes had passed in the world of the living. Mike was given a pocket watch by his father that had been enchanted by Nettie's voodoo, providing the time of Liveside while in Deadside. Ron couldn't believe the timepiece or how the time worked in Deadside. This would mean that Hermione was probably still in the Department of Mysteries with Harry, he thought.

Time was only a minor thought in the back of his mind. Ron had so many questions. Where would they look for the Govi he was told of in searching for the Dark Souls? How were the five serial killers bridging a way into the living of the dead? Who was behind all of this? And what about the safety of his family and friends? He had tried questioning Mike, but it was hopeless as he too wasn't sure about anything. Ron questioned Nettie's dream of a prophecy that had involved the apocalypse, perpetrated by five serial killers and the shade of red that was said to aid in the cease and desistance of this new evil.

Mike had told him to trust her despite his own personal inquiry of said prophecy as she was never wrong when it came to seeing the forthcoming of evil. She had lived through the ages, Grindelwald's dark rise, Voldemort's reign of terror, and even muggle threats with nuclear war that placed the fate of the world at hand. Yet, like Nettie had predicted, all would be well eventually, with only limited necessary intervention on their behalf with otherworldly threats. Until a new evil came forth. It was amazing to say the least how heroic their actions were without anyone's recognition. Mike and Nettie didn't expect anything from the world, and owed it nothing, yet they still worked together to stop Deadside's plane from demolishing the world of the living.

Ron was still unsure of what to believe, but he had seen his fair share of wickedness for a lifetime to come. All that he was sure of was to gather the Dark Souls as quickly as possible and finding a way to put an end to these killers' schemes. He wanted so badly to be back in Hermione's arms, to be done with this once and for all.

That is why the two men were now heading for the tunnel high above with fangs coming out from the ground. It was in that direction that the dark black tower lay that Jaunty had spoken of. Mike had briefed Ron that apparently, this tower was newly constructed and not in Deadside the last time he walked the spiritual plane. Ron had in fact seen it upon crossing the veil, but had dismissed it due to the duppies having chased him to the Marrow Gates. After Mike told him they were headed for a way inside, he had gulped with a nervous look on his face. Upon gazing up at the dark tower he approximated it to be fifty stories high filled with the greatest fears and horrors unimaginable. A single dark cloud loomed above it, hinting at complete malice and madness.

They continued through an upward trail that led them through the tunnel with the fangs. Ron had been relatively quiet after their last encounter with a small group of slashing demons. He was taking everything in. The investigation, his family, Harry and Hermione, Nettie, and even Mike himself. With each step, he became closer to asking him more about who he was and how he came to be. Although, Mike had been tight-lipped about his backstory and was not in a sharing mood.

Ron knew he was still in the dark about a lot of things. But unfortunately for him, this would have to wait as he was suddenly taken out of his thoughts after coming to the end of the trail. It had brought them back to the large area they had originated from after passing the gates.

"We're here," spoke Mike's raspy tone.

Ron surveyed the area below and noted they were now on one of the ledges fairly high up, about twenty feet away from the tunnel they were headed to. He looked down at the large area with the many passageways leading to the Marrow Gates and other undisclosed Deadside locations. He noticed the open area was now occupied with even more wailers. He looked to his right where Mike was standing in front of another ledge with a gap between them.

"We have to jump. Should be easy for you," motioned Mike as he stepped back a few steps. With a quick sprint, he leaped forward bridging the gap with ease. The wailers had taken notice of him from below, but the duo were too high for them to do anything. All they could do was continue shrieking their troublesome cries.

"We don't have all day Weasley. Let's go."

Ron acknowledged him and he too sprinted quickly and jumped over the gap, landing with ease on his two feet. "Bloody maze, this place is. All those turns and passageways just to get up here," he said dusting himself off.

"This is nothing. Just you wait. The Paths of Shadow are yet to be crossed. That's where we're headed." Mike turned to walk past the large fang-looking horns that came out of the ground. They followed the walkway that led them into the pitch-black tunnel they had intended to go through.

Ron pulled out his wand before entering. "Lumos," he chanted making his wand emit a light that illuminated their vicinity. They continued through the tunnel, carefully scanning the area for any foes.

"Paths of Shadow you say?" questioned Ron. He couldn't believe they had to pass through even more complex, maze-like wedges and routes. Funnily enough, he didn't appear fatigued or tired from their adventure so far. He knew not to question this as nothing made the least remote of sense in Deadside.

"Yeah. My predecessor and the previous Shadow Man, Maxim St. James, constructed these paths to help navigate through the denser parts of Deadside. But I've never crossed through them. In each location, he created these bridge-like pathways that he called Paths of Shadow, all locked away with a coffin gate."

They continued through the tunnel that had limited light that was provided by Ron's wand. He had noted there were larger puddles of blood that were unavoidable to step through.

"Coffin gate?" he asked again confusedly. They now reached a point in the tunnel that had the puddles of blood to ankle level, making Ron squirm with a disgusted look on his face.

"The evil here never ends Weasley. Nettie told me that my predecessor's attempt to control and keep order here was to lock each path away behind these coffin gates, only to be opened by the next Shadow Man, me. You see, only a Shadow Man can open these gates with our voodoo shadow powers, no other evils can cross beyond. Not even your magic can penetrate the gates."

"Bloody hell, so these pathways, they'll lead us to that tower?"

"Perhaps. That thing may have damaged the pathways since it wasn't here when I last crossed. All that matters is finding the Govi and taking the Dark Souls in them. Since I've been the Shadow Man I haven't seen any Govi here, only the two at the church on the hill. I suspect a good deal will be in that dark tower, but also in other locations. This will help with that," he said taking out the teddy bear and showing him with a shake.

Their wading through the thick blood made it difficult for Ron to focus on what Mike was saying as he was not used to being in such a filthy environment. "Umm…how will that help?"

Ron failed to notice the shaking of Mike's head in annoyance through the dim lit tunnel. "You are just persistent with your questioning, huh?"

"Well I know nothing about any of this," Ron motioned with wide open arms as if to describe all of Deadside. "The more I know, the less I'll question, I feel."

Mike sighed in defeat and could only close his eyes and pinch the bridge of his nose with immense patience, his back turned to Ron as he walked ahead.

"The bear allows me to cross from specific locations in Deadside. It glows the same bright blue aura as my eyes and mask when I can use it to travel. So far, the only location we can go back to is the Marrow Gates and Liveside of course."

Comprehension finally dawned upon Ron's face. "I see. So, we can travel back to the gates where your snake friend is?"

"Yeah but we'll have to walk back here again. We have to find another location where the bear will glow to avoid the walking."

"And where's that?"

Mike turned back to face his bright blue aura glowing eyes at the red head. Ron stopped in his tracks holding his hand firm onto his wand. "You'll just have to wait and see," spoke Mike's raspy voice, with a slight smirk on his face.

As Mike continued through the dark tunnel, Ron gaped at his backside with suspicion. He was unsure where they were headed, but knew the goal was to arrive at the tower. The blood was finally back to ground level again, causing Ron to shake his boots to remove the excess blood. With one last quick turn, they came to what appeared to be the end of the tunnel, and Ron now understood why Mike had called them coffin gates.

Before them was the outline of a coffin sitting upright that appeared much like a doorway, only instead of a handle or an actual door, it was completely blocked with dark stone. A circular archway resembling an odometer was above the outline of the coffin. This disk-shaped archway was separated into ten pieces attached together. Each piece was marked with a symbol unbeknownst to Ron. They were not numbers or text that he knew, but wondered if these were runes. Hermione would know, he thought.

The coffin gate appeared to be fifteen feet high, but the remarkable feature was that two wire-like structures that connected the coffin gate to a small wooden, cross-like arm rest directly in front of it that was anchored on the ground. Ron wasn't sure what to make of this structure or how to get past it.

"I don't get it. How are we supposed to get through there?"

Mike went over to touch the cross-like wooden arm rest and observed it carefully. He then gazed at the archway and was analyzing every symbol.

"Each of the spaces you see represents a level in regards to my shadow powers. The limit is ten. Maxim St. James created the coffin gates by placing different limits on them, some bullshit on showing your worth. Look at the spaces. None of them have that aura glow. This means that the amount of shadow power necessary to pass is zero. I have to use my powers to blow that coffin stone open. Step back," he said while positioning his body towards the gate and placing both arms on the wooden arm rest as if doing bicep curls.

Ron stood back in amazement as a blue aura glow emanated from Mike's implanted mask and traveled through his arms, making their waves through the cables connected to the coffin gate. The sight appeared much like conducting electricity through an old power generator, though the coffin now glowed the same color. Mike let out a loud roar as if letting out all his power and might when suddenly the stone within the coffin began to tremble like an earthquake until it finally pierced and blew to shreds.

Ron covered his head with his arms in defense from the small explosion when he saw Mike panting and taking deep breaths. He then looked ahead and noticed an entryway through the coffin gate into another room had been opened.

"Wicked…"

Mike looked back at him with a smile. "Still got it. C'mon, let's go. We've reached the Chamber of the Ancients."

As soon as Mike finally composed himself he walked through the coffin doorway and into another large circular room. Ron followed suit and gazed around astonishingly at how different this chamber was from the rest of Deadside. It appeared to look like an empty cave, brightened in orange by the flames on the walls and the ceiling was covered in stone completely. Four large pillars spaced apart like the shape of a square were rooted from the ground and connected to the ceiling. There was also a walkway that followed the perimeter of the chamber in a manner that appeared like a circular stairway leading up to a second floor. A bridge between two separate small areas on each side of the room could be seen on that floor.

The two made their way inside when Mike noted the teddy bear to glow bright aura blue. He stared at it for a bit before showing Ron. "Guess we can travel here much faster now," he said while demonstrating the bear to the red head.

Ron was amused at having seen how the bear finally worked, but the one thing that caught his attention more was the bright yellow glowing artifact in the center of the chamber.

"What's that?" asked Ron with a bemused look. He walked toward it with interest. Mike was also staring at the glowing artifact in a puzzled manner. "Hey umm, Mike, what—"

"…This…this wasn't here before," murmured Mike as he walked up to the artifact that lay on a wooden pedestal not more than four feet high. But it was not any ordinary artifact. It was a deck of cards in a wooden box, similar to the tarot cards that gypsies used to read one's future. Mike stood directly in front of them with Ron taking a position opposite to him.

"Cards?"

"Yeah, but…they weren't here before. I don't understand. This chamber is sacred. It was used to honor the ancients and is always empty…except, this pedestal was never here. Not even demons can enter here. It's considered the safest place in Deadside, yet how is it that someone left these cards here?"

Ron could only scratch his head in confusion and looked around to make sure they weren't alone. He grasped his wand event tighter as to prepare for anyone or anything that was waiting to ambush them. He wanted to survey the second floor, but the cards took his interest.

"Well, let's see then, open them up."

As Mike picked up the wooden box and studied the deck, a small piece of parchment had fallen onto the ground. Ron went ahead and picked it up, unfolding it in the process. It was an old letter, written in cursive to a 'friend.' Mike was also staring at it curiously when Ron began to read it aloud.

"November 23rd, 1888

Dear Friend,

Although centuries may have passed by the time you read this note, know that I greet you both as a friend and as a brother; for I, in my time, have also borne the burden that is the Mask of Shadows.

Know then, that I constructed these passageways, the Paths of Shadow, as pathways through the place known as Deadside, so that we, and those who also bear the Mask, might bring order to this realm and traverse it without hindrance.

In my time, I have gathered and catalogued many of the ancient artifacts of power, some of which reside within these chambers. However, I fear that I must leave my work incomplete. A seed of darkness has come to this realm, more powerful than has been felt in centuries, and so I find it necessary to seal the Paths of Shadow lest they and the artifacts within them, fall into the hands of evil.

The task of securing these passageways has been an immense labor, and I fear that with my weakening powers these outer gates may have not been secured as strongly as those deeper within the Paths. Know then, that the way ahead shall require much greater strength than that which brought you here.

In addition to the catalogue of artifacts, find here enclosed Les Cartes du Prophetie – the Prophecy as spoken to the Ancients by the Loa. I fear that the darkness I sense on this day might be that which Les Cartes speak of, but fate has made it my charge not to challenge that darkness. Instead, my labor is to secure these passageways so that, come the time of the Prophecy, when evil shows its true form, they may be reopened and their relics uncovered.

Maxim. St. James"

Ron looked up at Mike and the two exchanged bewildered glances. Mike took the letter and began reading it over again. "My predecessor left me this note?"

Ron stood in front of the pedestal pondering what he had just read while scratching his chin and furrowing his brow. The previous Shadow Man apparently sensed something bad coming as well. But what? And one hundred years ago, and he too knew of the prophecy. His heart rate started increasing again and the familiar feeling of unease began to come back as many thoughts and questions came to his mind.

"Mike…he knew about the prophecy all along. He knew for one hundred years! But how? Why didn't he tell Nettie? How is it that you've never seen this note before?"

With each sentence that Mike read, the more enraged and irritated he seemed. "Nettie didn't' mention this. I knew he created the paths to make it easier for us to get by, to put things into order, but he had the prophecy all along…"

He crumbled the note and stuck it in his pocket and took out the cards from the small box that held them. "Weasley…this is the prophecy. Everything we need to know is here…"

Ron gulped, but he too needed to know how he was involved. This moment couldn't wait any longer. "Open them, spread them on the pedestal. We have to know."

Mike did as he was told. The first card he pulled had the words, 'Les Cartes' written in cursive on the bottom. It had a picture of a man with ebony skin and a bald head resembling Mike in anatomical position. He had the same glowing blue Mask on the middle of his chest as well. Around him was the same coffin gate archway with the ten symbols. Directly below the man were two purple worm like creatures bonded within white circles. The edges of the card had a brown frame-like drawing, and the back of the card had a dark sangria color with blue aura lines drawn into a circle. All the cards had this design.

"Mike…t-that's you…but how?" uttered Ron in shock upon focusing on the card.

The Shadow Man furrowed his eyebrows as he was at a loss for words at the card he was staring at. "But…it can't be…"

He then fumbled through each card and began spacing them in a row across the pedestal for them to see. There were about twenty cards in total, each with different drawings and small inscriptions at the bottom of each. They were also labeled with roman numerals at the top, indicating a certain order of the cards.

The first main card's drawing was of a demon-like brown creature that resembled the slashers, only bigger with increased muscle tone. It appeared to have a goat skull for a head and long scarlet colored claws and feet. The same purple worm within the white circle was drawn on its chest. There were also five symbols spaced around the demon that resembled each of the symbols found near the victims of the serial killers. Ron had recalled the symbols from Deacon's file. He read the text below the demon.

"Long before the Men of Shadow, creatures with souls of evil did descend upon the worlds. Immortals, they were led by the One Who is Many, he who bears the Mouth of Blood. After the longest of battles, he was defeated and banished to a place beyond the worlds and the Dark Souls of his armies were sealed into Govi."

Ron turned to look at Mike who was still staring unbelievably at each card. The next one had a red background and three blue colored women with mysterious ancient tattoos on their skin. They were dressed only in undergarments and were pictured gathered around a single Govi, the orange beehive-like structure held standing with large sticks going through it. This too had the same purple worm within the white circle shape on it. Ron continued reading.

"And the Sisters of Blood were entrusted with the Govi and for many lifetimes the Dark Souls lay under their protection."

"Sisters of blood?" Ron raised, being slightly taken aback at the women in the drawing with blue colored skin.

Mike shook his head, apparently not knowing who they were. Ron moved to the next card which now showed a middle-aged white man of aristocratic support who sported strange clothing and was standing on a green surface. The man had striped purple pants, an orange button up shirt wrapped with a red bandana around the neck, and a long open grey coat. Ron noted dark hair that was slicked back with blonde highlights, although facial features were hard to see. However, he did manage to see blood around his mouth and a sword held in his left hand. Behind the man in the distance was a black building that resembled the tower Jaunty had mentioned.

"And then, the One Who is Many did return from the place beyond Worlds. Under his banner did he unite the Madmen and Killers, and they did build Asylum in the World of the Dead."

"Who's he?" Ron asked, seeming more addled with each card that he read. Mike shook his head again, but stared at the man with the mouth of blood keenly.

Ron moved his fingers to get a better look at the next card which showed the dark black tower and each of the symbols of the five killers that he recalled from Deacon's file. Strangely enough, there appeared to be a red chain linking each of the five symbols to the tower and beneath each symbol was a purple worm, five in total. He pointed his finger across each of them.

"Hey Mike, you don't suppose these things represent the Dark Souls, do you?"

Mike's gaze moved to the card he was pointing at. "Hmm…that's what I was thinking," he replied. "Keep reading."

Ron cleared his throat.

"And sending his minions throughout the World of the Dead, he gathered the Dark Souls that were not under the Sisters' protection. Using their dreaded power, he summoned The Five, mortal men who would do his bidding. And they built for him Gateways of Souls into the World of Men."

Mike immediately stopped Ron from proceeding to the next card. "Go back to the previous card. Look at what it says. 'The One Who is Many. He united the madmen and killers, and they did build Asylum in the world of the dead. They built for him gateways of souls into the world of men.' This guy must be the asshole behind all of this."

Ron perceived a hint of anger and resentment in his voice. The man in the card had the appearance of someone who looked to have lived a long time ago as he was fashionably late in the looks department. But if this were true, then he'd be responsible for the killing of innocent muggles, this connection between worlds and for apocalypse nonetheless.

"It says 'they built Asylum in the world of the dead?' Does that mean the dark bloody tower we're headed to? You did say it wasn't here when you last crossed."

"Shit. It's starting to make sense. Keep going."

Ron went on to the next card that showed a dark-skinned woman sleeping and a purple cloud coming out of her head as if demonstrating what she was dreaming. In that cloud were the same symbols of the five serial killers.

"So the Five did appear to the Sorceress, and their Lizard King did announce the Apocalypse with the cries of a thousand men."

The breathing of both men seemed to intensify in regards to that specific card as they both had the same thought in their heads. Ron was unsure if Mike could hear how loud his heart was pounding due to the similarity between the woman sleeping in the picture and Nettie. He turned to the next card which appeared to shock him even more and was now gaping at it open-mouthed in disbelief. Mike did the same and moved his hand over to cover his.

It was the same ebony skinned, bald man that mirrored Mike who appeared shaking hands with the woman who was sleeping. They were standing opposite of each other and facing one another as if just having completed some sort of deal. But even more remarkable was the person who was standing behind their handshake with his back faced to them. It was a tall lanky man with a brown coat and red hair. A wand could be seen being held in his right hand.

"And in her darkest hour, the Sorceress did call upon the Man of Shadow. And together they brought forth the one who would aid him before world's end."

Ron couldn't believe it. He stared wide-eyed with cynicism fueling his mind at the two cards he just saw. The man with the red hair resembled himself. He was a part of this prophecy.

"It's…it's me," he whispered slowly, holding the card with his two hands shakily. "Mike…Nettie was right. She was right about her dream. About the five killers…"

A nervous look finally dawned on Mike as he glared through the card with the three individuals. There he was, appearing to shake hands with Nettie and the red head behind their shaking of arms, back facing them as if forsaking the bond that they made together. Mike didn't say anything. He knew there were a few more cards left of the prophecy. There was more to know. He had to find out what other horrors lay ahead. He picked up the card from Ron's hand and put it back down onto the pedestal. He slid the next card to Ron, who was having trouble recovering from the news he just received.

The next card did not calm him down either. It depicted a familiar dark green snake with a skull head wearing a tall hat.

"Mike! Bloody hell, this can't be—"

"Jaunty…"

The snake appeared to be guarding a bone-like doorway that was drawn behind him making it seem like he was a guardian of some sort.

"And the Serpent did guard the Marrow Gates until the Shadow returned to the World of the Dead. And thence did this Serpent become his advisor."

Mike picked up the card with the snake to analyze it further. As he did so Ron quickly moved on to the next card, seeming to have finally composed his thoughts a bit to proceed. It showed a drawing of a coffin gate surrounded by the disk-shaped archway and the ten pieces with the odd symbols on them. Although, these pieces were colored in purple just as Mike had told him it resembled his shadow power limit. Ron could see the dark black tower in the distance beyond the drawing of the coffin gate. He made Mike put the card with the snake down before reading it.

"For the Man of Shadow did open the Coffin Gates, and for the first time in one hundred years were the Paths of Shadow walked."

Ron didn't dare stop and continued. The next card showed the dark-skinned man that looked like Mike again, this time with three purple worm structures in front of him and blue aura colored chains connecting him to them. The circular archway was behind him, though it was only highlighted in purple up to the sixth space. Ron observed it further and noted there were numbers on top of each symbol.

"Look here. Those are numbers. The symbols represent numbers! What do you think it means?"

Mike shrugged his shoulders. "Hmm…this is probably the number of Dark Souls required to open the coffin gates. This card has all the spaces up to the sixth highlighted in purple. Look at the number above the sixth symbol. A twelve. The fifth space has an eight; so does the fourth. The third space has a four, the second a two and the first space a one. Add them together. If a coffin gate were to be in our way that had six spaces highlighted as I've told you, then we'd need thirty-five Dark Souls to increase my shadow powers to that level. You've got to be fucking kidding me. This means we will need all one hundred twenty no matter what! Shit!" he groaned in frustration.

Ron's breathing eased up a bit more, but having learned the demanding task at collecting that many Dark Souls with no clue where to look made him feel a tight knot in his stomach.

"What does that card say Weasley?" Mike asked pointing to it.

Ron cleared his throat again.

"The Man of Shadow did break the Sisters' spell on the Govi and in taking the Dark Souls' power, he did unite it within him."

"Well isn't that fucking splendid? At least I know we'll succeed."

Ron dismissed Mike's sarcastic remark as he then turned to the next card which had a dreadful sight. It was the same man on his knees appearing to slam his fists against the ground. Ron gasped at the sight of the man with red hair and a brown coat, also on his knees and grabbing his head with both hands as if he had gone insane. The dark tower was in the background that had red chains connected to the killers' five symbols in each bubble.

"With greater powers did the Man of Shadow finally enter Asylum and did find the Gateways within that lead to the World of Men. And he passed beyond them with the man who would aid him before world's end. And together they did confront The Five, but in the broad light of day did they fall to them."

"Blimey! Mike! If this is true, then we're gonna face them!" announced Ron.

"Hold on ginger. Can't you fucking read? It says we fall to them in broad daylight."

Ron looked back down at the card to give it a one over. "Yeah so…?"

"So I'll need my shadow powers to put a cap in their ass. It's nearly nightfall in London, but in America it's bright as shit. My powers in Liveside are only available at night and we can't just sit around waiting for nightfall with what we already know. Besides, they're making 'soul gates.' We have to find out what that means. I suspect it's the link between worlds that they're making."

"Okay so what's your plan then?"

"Just keep reading. There's a few more."

Ron picked up the next card and saw a woman on the ground seemingly asleep again. It was the same woman as before who they thought to be Nettie. Beyond her was the dark black tower which appeared to be rising from the ground. In the sky was an eclipse, making the drawing much darker than the rest.

"And the Sorceress fell into a deep trance, her powers exhausted. And the Shadow did fall upon the World of Men."

Once again Ron had a puzzled look on his face, narrowing his eyes as if he was in deep thought. "So we'll find a way to induce nightfall? Is that even possible? I don't know of any spell that can do that."

"That's because there isn't," sighed Mike looking irked.

They both stared awkwardly at each other as they had no idea how they would enable Mike's powers in broad daylight. There were five killers in total. Four still operated in hours of bright daylight out and if these cards genuinely represented the prophecy, then they needed to fight in the darkness to avoid falling to them. But how were they going to bring nightfall?

Ron picked up the following card. It had the drawing of the same man as before with the strange outfit and bloody mouth. He was sitting on a chair peacefully and smiling with his chin rested on his left hand, as if sitting on a throne as a king. A globe was in his right hand and across his body were the purple worm like creatures in the white circles. But to Ron's astonishment, there was something else on that card. Something that made him even more anxious and skittish.

It was a woman. She was above the man on the chair as if floating from the sky with closed eyes and open arms almost inviting to be embraced. There was a bright yellow luminescence around her that made her white robes gleam. The woman was of radiant beauty. Her complexion was light; her figure was thin and she had a mess of brown curls.

"Hermione!" blurted Ron as he gazed at the card earnestly, letting the calm demeanor escape him once more. "Mike it's her! No, no…no this can't be. She can't be a part of this!"

Mike placed his arms on his shoulders and leered at his blue eyes with his glowing aura ones. "Get a fucking grip! We don't know anything yet. Read it first at least. C'mon. What does it say?"

Ron hit his arms away from his shoulders and aimed his wand straight at his face. "Is this why you didn't want her to know about the investigation? What do you know that you aren't telling me? Answer me!" he howled.

Mike stepped back and shook his head once more in distaste. "Really? Again? What, you don't think? You don't pay attention? I am immortal here. And your magic is next to useless when it comes to me. Threatening me is that last thing you want to do ginger."

Ron tensed up a bit at having realized what he was doing. The reality was that Mike was right. No matter what he did or attempted, there was no use for trying to curse him there. Ron was unsure why seeing the woman made him lose control of his emotions.

"Then why is she on that card? Why is she above that fucking uncanny bloke on the chair? There's something you aren't telling me. If you even think about using me—"

"Look around Weasley. Look at where we are. Look at what's in your hand. When it comes to your little girlfriend you lose yourself. That is why you can never be a great wizard. You're too afraid to let go. You're easily distracted by the things that plague your feeble mind. Think for a fucking second. For the first time, just think for a sec. Nettie sends us here to search for the Dark Souls and defeat an unknown evil, and somehow five killers are part of this. Then we find these cards which have accurately portrayed this end of the world bullshit we've been on about so far. How would we even betray you? And for what? I don't know why Nettie asked me not to mention something to your little girlfriend and frankly, I could care less. It looks like her on the card, yes, but if she didn't state how she's involved in all of this, then it's likely for good reason. Don't forget why you're here you idiot. What, are you gonna walk out on me like you did your friend?"

At hearing those words Ron was suddenly unable to react. He was overcome with such emotion that he recalled after leaving Harry and Hermione while under the influence of the horcrux. He made a slight movement as if finally thinking clearly. He switched his vision from Mike to the card with the woman and her closed eyes and open arms. He noticed that her expression on the card was sorrowful and full of grief. He finally read the small inscription below the card to himself.

"And Legion took the power of the Dark Souls unto him. The end."

He moved his gaze back to Mike and lowered his wand, now taking the card back into his hands while rummaging his hair. He looked through it carefully and turned it around to see if there were any hidden clues on it. But nothing was special about the card. It only had the text and its picture like the rest. Ron put it back down on the pedestal and rubbed his eyes in defeat.

"Sorry. You're right. I'm just on the bloody edge. It's one thing for you and Nettie to tell me about this prophecy, but to see these things…I guess I'm off my rocker."

Mike moved ahead to the card and he read it to himself as well, while waving Ron off. "Don't worry about it. But don't make yourself look weak here. It makes you vulnerable to the evil. You don't want to be manipulated by the spirits here."

Ron nodded his head and had a dejected look on his face that he was unable to hide. He then looked through all the cards they had gone over so far. There were a few more left, but they appeared to be the weapons and artifacts that Maxim St. James had spoken of in his letter. Though these cards had no text at all. It seemed the prophecy, or Les Cartes, ended with the man on the chair and the woman above him.

"It won't happen again. But…the last card. It says 'Legion took the power of the Dark Souls unto him.' Does that name sound familiar to you?"

"No. But I don't like this. It's made to seem as if he won. He has all the Dark Souls around him sitting on some kind of throne. I'm not sure what it means. It's as good as anybody's guess why he has them. And there's no mention of Granger neither. We don't even know why she's there. I think we should go back to Nettie."

"Already?" asked Ron with his head tilted to the side and scratching his cheek.

"Do you have a better idea? We don't where the hell to even look for those souls. Maybe Jaunty knows something also."

Ron then turned behind him and looked around the room at the circular walkway that headed up to the second floor. "Hey what's on that floor?"

Mike moved his vision to where Ron was now staring at; the small bridge that connected the rooms on opposite sides of the chamber on the second floor. "There should be another coffin gate up there. Opposite to it and across the little bridge is a room blocked by a burning block. I've never passed through it. We should check it out. I suspect things will be much different from my last visit since we found the cards."

Mike moved around the pedestal and began heading up the circular walkway around the room. Ron followed suite and cast a quick spell to put the cards away. As they reached the second floor they came to the side that had the other coffin gate Mike spoke of. They looked at it curiously and noted one of the spaces on the far left of the archway was glowing bright aura blue.

"It's at level one. Shit."

Ron frowned. "Hold on I thought you've traveled here before."

Mike continued to observe the coffin gate and brushed his hand across the wooden arm rest that connected to the coffin gate. "I've been in this chamber multiple times, but I haven't passed that coffin gate as I was never able to open it. Until now, I didn't know how to open it but if the cards are true, then we need a Dark Soul."

Ron moved his arms up and let them drop to his sides, sighing in displeasure. "Great. Brilliant. I'm sure there's one just laying around here somewhere."

Mike ignored him and looked across the second floor at the room opposite to the coffin gate. He began walking across the stone bridge that was above the pedestal from where they had just discovered the prophecy. Ron followed his footsteps and eventually found themselves on the other side of the chamber by the room blocked by a large block covered in flames.

"This the room you haven't been in?"

Mike nodded and examined it carefully, avoiding touching the flames. "Yeah. The flame is inextinguishable. It's sacred. No matter all that I've tried I can't put it out. So it can't be moved." He rubbed his eyes in frustration and turned his back to the block, now seeming to be out of ideas.

"What if I try?" Ron asked.

"Go ahead," Mike motioned with a wave of his hand. He didn't seem too interested in seeing the red head's attempt.

Ron pulled out his wand and aimed it straight at the fiery block. He flicked his wand and announced, "Aguamenti!" A jet of clear water was conjured from the tip of his wand and hit the fiery block with a splash, but just as Mike had said, the flame wasn't put out.

"Told you. The voodoo magic of the Ancients was something else. Weak charms won't work."

"Lemme try again." Ron moved his wrist in a different motion and chanted a different spell. "Ignus Extinguere!" A white beam of light emerged from his wand and hit the fiery block again, but unfortunately for the two of them nothing happened. Ron looked at his wand with concern. "Oh bugger all! What are we supposed to do now?"

Mike crossed his arms and paced back and forth. "Don't know. We can go back to Nettie for suggestions. Or Jaunty I guess. Getting into that room isn't important. We have to go elsewhere to look for the Dark Souls."

"What if there's one behind there? You read the cards, we need to cross the Paths of Shadow you went on about. That's the way to that bloody tower, right? We just have to keep trying. I have one more spell to try." This time he appeared confident and stared the fiery block attentively. One of Hermione's most used and efficient spells came to his mind.

"I've told you. Your magic, no offense, just won't work."

Ron ignored him and aimed his wand again at the block continuing to look at it fixedly and cried, "Finite Incantatem!"

To Mike's surprise the fiery red flames became low and within a matter of seconds, they were gone. He uncrossed his arms and stared unbelievably at the block, now fuming with white smoke.

"Holy shi—"

"Whooo! Yes!" cheered Ron who appeared to be dancing around in delight at having extinguished the flames.

"But how?" Mike asked scratching his head in amazement.

Ron offered him his famous lopsided grin and shrugged his shoulders. "Dunno. But c'mon, let's go! We gotta see what's on the other side of it."

Mike nodded and went ahead in front of the block. He pressed both hands on it and using all his strength, pushed it forth with a holler, allowing access to a small room no bigger than a closet. He dusted himself off and was taken aback by what he had saw. Ron joined him and stared unbelievably at the Govi that lay standing within the small room.

"It's one of those things!"

"Govi. Shit. We did it."

Ron threw him a smile and for the first time since meeting Mike in his flat's small backyard, he returned it. For a moment Ron wasn't sure if he'd imagined it, but the Shadow Man had smiled gladly.

"So what now?" questioned Ron while examining the Govi.

"I have to use my shadow powers. Step back."

Ron did as he was told as he saw Mike pull out his shadow gun, aiming it directly at the orange beehive-like structure that stood on the three sticks going through it. Ron had noticed it appeared to be pulsating, which was different than the ones he saw at the church on the hill. Mike pulled back the trigger and let out a blow of his shadow gun, letting the beam of blue aura hit the Govi's core directly.

It suddenly began to glow the same blue aura color and let out more beams of light that were bright and blinding to the eyes. Ron placed his hand over his eyes and saw the Govi explode to produce a purple spirit-like entity and a dark core. It made a loud screeching nose that sounded of many cries and despair.

Mike looked on incredulously at the Dark Soul that had come out of the Govi as Ron moved his hands down and aimed his wand at it in defense. It had the appearance similar to a host-less Obscurus, although distinctively purple in color and with a core that seemed to be staring back at both men menacingly. Ron noted that the core resembled the worm-like creatures within the cards of the prophecy.

"Blimey…this is it ain't it? The Dark Soul Nettie told us about."

Mike didn't seem to hear him as he edged closer to it with an outstretched arm out.

"Mike wait!"

But it was too late. The Dark Soul extended itself to contact Mike which caused his entire body to burn with blue aura beams and purple waves of darkness through and around him. He was roaring in pain as the echoes from his screams were heard throughout the chamber. More and more purple waves from the spirit flowed into his core as he moved around in a seizure-like manner.

Ron could only stare at the remarkable display helpless. He tried to get closer to Mike who had screamed to get back and let him be. After a few moments, the spirit's waves and blue aura beams of light were fully embraced within himself. The Shadow Man fell on all fours, panting and gasping for air at what occurred.

"Shit! Mike! Hey, are you alright?" Ron kneeled beside him to help him up when Mike put up his hand and coughed for a bit.

"I'm…fine," he said while wheezing. He coughed a few more times before finally looking up at Ron. "What the hell happened? This power…it's…it's like no other I've felt before."

Ron inspected him closely and went ahead to pick him up by his arm when he was pushed aside by Mike. "I'm…fine. I can stand on my own Weasley."

Ron continued to look at him apprehensively. "What happened? Was that supposed to happen!?"

Mike finally stood on both feet and outstretched his arms examining himself. "I feel. I feel good. This power…I can't explain it. Never have I experienced such hatred and corruption. It's like a dark fire that's burning within me with such ferocity. This sounds stupid, but I'm afraid it may consume me. And yet, these glowering flames are as a joy to me. My ability to channel my shadow powers has increased and I feel so much more…"

Ron maintained an uneasy look at him. "Dangerous?" he questioned with a concerned expression. He seemingly was not hurt. There were no scars or signs of damage on his body, yet the screams of Mike's torture were still ringing in his ears and was reminded so vividly of Hermione's own as a result of Bellatrix's abuse.

Mike simply stared back at him without a word.

"Bloody wanker, all I ask is that you be careful. I'm the one who saw you have a fucking seizure, just now."

Mike acknowledged his worry and nodded. "I know. I have it under control now. C'mon. We've got a gate to open."

He began walking away from the room and towards the coffin gate again. Ron simply stared at his back in disbelief and admiration. Mike appeared to be limping slowly, but seemed fine, nonetheless. With a deep breath, he treaded on, knowing the long adventure ahead.


August 27, 2000 (5:45 pm)

Ministry of Magic – London, England

"Potter! There you are. Have you got my owl? Where's Weasley?"

Harry and Hermione were caught off guard by an impatient looking Gawain Robards as they made their exit out of the lift. Upon leaving the Department of Mysteries their plan was to floo back to Ron and Hermione's flat and investigate around the nearby coffee shop for clues on the muggle serial killer Hermione had seen.

Harry was hesitant to include her on the case per Ron and Mike's persistence, but after understanding the true extent of what they were up against, it seemed they needed her now more than ever. Hermione herself had even been pleased to finally be involved and have a change of pace for once as well.

The two best friends looked at each other with blank stares and gulped, not anticipating the head Auror to be questioning them so late in the day.

"Well? Where is he? Been gone for two days without a word. Ms. Granger?"

She struggled to find her words, but recovered quickly. "I'm sorry sir. Ron's ill with the flu. Very bad stuff. He's at home resting," she said fumbling her sweaty hands. Harry avoided his boss' curious expression.

"Is that so? Too ill to come to work without even a notice to the Auror Office?"

Hermione looked over at Harry trying to convince him with her eyes to say anything. Harry could only scratch his head. And speak lowly. "Umm, well, it's pretty bad, sir. I was with him yesterday, you know, working the case, and I don't know, just started feeling unwell I guess."

Gawain looked more impatient and peevish by the second. "Unwell? Just started feeling unwell you say? Hmm…I suppose it's fine then. We'll just have to tell the bastard here in London to stop killing innocent muggles because we're 'unwell.'"

Harry and Hermione looked at one another nervously again, unsure of what to say to that remark.

"Where are you two headed off now? I'm surprised to see you here today Ms. Granger. I thought your Department didn't work on Sundays?"

Hermione kept her edgy face, but thought of something quickly on her feet. "Oh! Yes, well…I'm helping Harry with something sir."

Robards moved his gaze between the two suspiciously and landed on Harry fearing he may have spilled information about an investigation to someone that was not part of the Auror office.

"And what's that if I may ask?" he challenged, continuing to look at Harry with suspicion.

The brunette was running out of ideas as her brain was searching desperately for a way out of the conversation. Suddenly a randy thought crossed her mind. "Lingerie," blurted Hermione without hesitance, quickly covering her mouth in horror at having realized what she had said.

Harry swiftly turned his head to face her with a look that screamed what the fuck in confusion. Robards appeared taken aback as this was far from what he believed she'd say.

Hermione shook her head vigorously, utterly mortified. "Umm…sorry. As a present for Ginny, my friend, or his girlfriend. Ron's sister, sir!" voiced Hermione again quickly, continuing to shake her head and covering her red face in embarrassment.

Harry looked at her incredulously and then faced Robards with an apologetic expression. He merely raised an eyebrow at them, with a slight hint of disgust behind it.

"Well…" He coughed. "Carry on then."

As the two were about to walk away, Robards stopped Harry in his tracks. "Potter. A quick word please. No need to wait for us Ms. Granger," he said, waving her off.

Hermione looked at Harry once more before nodding and walking slowly away towards the series of fireplaces. He continued staring at her backside, now concerned about her safety after having met the serial killer. He felt very uncomfortable letting her leave alone.

As Robards saw her walking away, he faced Harry sternly. "Where's Weasley? You thought I'd believe that bollocks of him being ill? What were you even doing here today?"

Harry noticed his palms didn't stop sweating and couldn't seem to maintain eye contact with his boss. He blinked quickly at a loss for words, but was unable to speak. Before he could say anything, he began to notice the dripping of blood coming out of Gawain Robards' mouth. He furrowed his brow and looked at him curiously.

"Umm, sir, you have a bit of blood," he uttered while pointing to his own mouth.

Robards touched his mouth and noted the bleeding become more streamline. He then looked down at the floor and saw a few drops had hit the dark wood surface. He quickly covered his mouth and without a word began to stroll away from Harry in the direction of a different lift.

He was now the one to look at him with a curious stare at what he just witnessed, but could not help but wonder why the head Auror was also carrying a cane if he wasn't limping. He kneeled and touched the drops of blood on the floor with his fingers, exquisitely observing it.

"That's odd. Why would he leave just like that?"

Harry quickly dismissed this when he thought back to his plan with Hermione and their intent to head back to her flat. He stood and quickly stormed past the Atrium and into the fireplaces. He shouted the name of their flat before throwing the floo powder and swiftly arrived at their home.

"Hermione! C'mon let's go, we don't have much time!"

But there was no answer. The flat was silent. Harry looked around the living room and made his way to the kitchen, but she was nowhere in sight. "Hermione. Hey c'mon we've got to go."

He then went into the small hallway that led to the loo and bedroom but they were also empty. "Hermione?" Harry began to worry and jolted back to the kitchen to have a look outside. He opened the sliding doors that led to the small open space in the back, but it was empty. There was no sight of her.

"She couldn't have gone to the Burrow. They would've asked questions about Ron. Maybe Grimmauld Place? No. Ginny's there. Where is she?" he asked himself.

Harry went back inside and locked the sliding doors with his wand. He headed outside the front door and looked around the lawn. Nothing. He walked slowly down the steps of the porch and into the walkway that led to the main street when he noticed something on the ground.

He approached it and picked it up. It was her wand. Panic began to consume Harry at the thought of her being taken. He looked around quickly with his own wand pointed in front of him. But the grass was still, the clouds remained stoic above, and no signs of abnormal activity were apparent. Nothing had changed, except his best friend was now missing.

"Oh no…Hermione…"