Healing 3
Sequel to "Confrontation". I do not own any part of Charmed; I just write about it.
"What do you mean?" Phoebe demanded as the look of horror did not fade from Gabriel's face.
Gabriel did not directly respond. Instead, he turned and pointed at a smallish rock. It slowly started to float as a deep look of concentration came over Gabriel's face. It held there for several moments, before it wobbled and fell. Gabriel slumped, breathing deeply. "I used to be able to hold up mountains if I wanted. Now I can barely hold up that small rock. My powers are incredibly weak. It didn't work."
Fighting back bitterness, Cole said, "We'll discuss our next step later. For now, let's get out of the Underworld before we draw too much attention."
The others nodded as they all surrounded Gabriel. A look of deep anger came over Gabriel's face as they faded out.
***
"ANGEL!" Gabriel yelled into his mind. His voice echoed endlessly within his mind, "GET OUT HERE!"
"You needn't shout," Angel remarked as he appeared, "I'm right here."
"You bastard, I'm getting rid of you right now!" Gabriel stated angrily.
"What? Why?" Angel began, but stopped as he dodged a punch thrown by Gabriel.
"Your plan didn't work, my powers are still weak," Gabriel explained as he furiously attacked Angel.
Suddenly, Angel's hand darted out and grabbed Gabriel's hand, stopping his assault flat. As Gabriel struggled, Angel said, "Calm down and explain. You used the Lake?"
"Yes, and a flat lot of good it did," Gabriel muttered darkly.
Angel's eyebrow lifted, "Really? You seem in much better shape overall. Is your mind still in agony?"
To his surprise, Gabriel's mind felt fine for the first time in two days. He'd been so angry, he hadn't noticed. "No, actually it's fine," Gabriel said in surprise.
Angel smiled as he released Gabriel's hand. "Then the Lake worked perfectly."
"But my powers..." Gabriel began, but Angel laughed.
"The Lake was never meant to empower you," Angel commented.
"But you said it would," Gabriel countered.
Angel shook his head, "I promised no such thing. All I said was that the Lake would heal you, and it did. The mental and magical injuries you suffered from your savage renunciation of your powers are healed."
"But I'm so weak magically," Gabriel remarked pointedly.
Angel sighed, "Now I understand why you never defeated the real Angel."
"What do you mean, he's dead and I'm not," Gabriel remarked.
"There was not a thing you did that he did not expect," Angel snapped. "You never 'beat' him; you just lucked out. The first time he was betrayed by his son. What exactly did you have to do with that?"
"Well, nothing, but..." Gabriel interected.
"And as for the second time, my presence proves you did not catch Angel by surprise," Angel finished, "and do you know why you never beat him?"
"Why is that?" Gabriel muttered.
"Because you only focus on the short term, not long term," Angel explained, "The real Angel had planned an entire war, and had lived for millennia having to plan for every possibility. You were so preoccupied with your current move you never considered strategy. That's all right for witches, those stupid Whitelighters, and those feeble brained Guardians, but you're an Azarian. You should always be thinking strategically."
Gabriel sighed, and forced out, "You may be right. So, explain why you had me use the Lake. So I can learn."
Angel smiled, "I'll make a true Azarian leader out of you yet. It is much rarer to find something to heal wounds like you had than to find something to enhance your powers. Think of all the artifacts, rooms, spells, etc you've run across that launched a demon's powers to near your equal. All you need to do is find something along those lines for good, and you'll be as strong as ever. Stronger even."
Gabriel subconsciously nodded as he recognized the wisdom in that point, "Alright, where will I find one of these artifacts?"
Angel shrugged, "Beats me."
"What?" Gabriel demanded.
"The real Angel never needed to discover a way to enhance powers for a long term effect, so I have no knowledge of such things," Angel explained. "But you have a very competent family, I'm sure they can find something. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't already come to the same conclusion and are trying to find such an object."
Gabriel was going to argue when Angel vanished. "Damn it, I hate when he does that," Gabriel muttered. As Gabriel turned to 'leave' his mind, he couldn't help but realize how useful it was having Angel around. And part of him was very disturbed by that fact.
***
Gabriel had fallen asleep as soon as they had returned, probably exhausted from his ordeal. The others were gathered downstairs, discussing what to do next. "It's obvious Gabriel's powers are greatly reduced," Piper stated. "So, the question is, what do we do now?"
"For starters, we could just accept his reduced power status," Michael began.
"Gabriel will never accept that. He has to be the best, it's an ego thing," Gerald countered.
"How do you know that?" Phoebe interjected.
"Because he's just like his father," Gerald teased as Cole mock hit him.
"Alright, then our next step is to find some way to enhance and improve Gabriel's powers," Michael concluded.
"How exactly are we going to do that?" Paige demanded.
Michael and Leo shared a glance, and then shrugged helplessly, "I don't know," Leo confessed, "but for starters, I'll check with the Elders. I recommend the rest of you go to the Library and see if they have anything."
"Actually, there's something I need to check on," Cole said suddenly. He stood, and vanished.
"Well that's helpful," Paige muttered.
"Cole thinks he has something, I can feel it," Phoebe countered defensively.
"Argue later, research now," Piper commanded.
As they got up to leave, Gabriel descended the stairs. "What's going on?" he asked.
"We're going to go to the Library to see what we can find about a way to enhance your powers," Piper explained.
Phoebe saw something flicker in Gabriel's eyes before he said, "That's a really good idea; I wish I'd thought of that. I'll come with you, and help you look."
As they turned to leave, Gabriel looked around and asked, "Where's Cole?"
***
Cole walked slowly into the chamber. Even now he still got shivers just being here. This place stank of evil; it permeated every stone here like water in a sponge. This place was the Chamber that Ezekiel had used so long ago to corrupt his son. Though the Chamber was useless, it's 'purpose' complete, Cole felt a strong desire to leave. But he couldn't just yet, because there was something here that could help his son.
Cole knew it, even as he knew where that knowledge came from. When Michael had mentioned what they needed, Cole had felt a flash of recognition in the deepest part of his mind, the part where the memories of the Source resided. Those memories had led Cole here, and while he was suspicious, he also had to know.
Cole wandered the room slowly, seeking a specific spot, a spot that was shown in his mind. Finally, he found it, a slight depression in the rock of one wall. Cole pressed in on it, and there was a hissing noise as the stone to his right faded, revealing a tiny alcove. Looking in, Cole saw only one thing, a leather-bound book remarkably well-preserved for how old it must be. As Cole picked it up, he read the cover.
Balkos.
***
Piper slowly slid a book away from her. She started rubbing her eyes, as they hurt. They'd been at it for a couple of hours, and were still getting no where. She looked up as Michael walked in with Gabriel, "Any luck?"
Michael shook his head, "We talked to the Founders, and they say the room the Kobold King used is gone, it's power exhausted. There's no way Gabriel could use it."
"It was worth a shot," Phoebe muttered.
Michael was about to counter when he saw Cole walking over, "Hey Cole, where have you..." Michael began, but stopped when he saw Cole's face.
Cole put a book down on the table, and stated, "I may have found something."
"What? What did you...?" Piper began, but trailed off as she read the cover of the book. "Balkos, wasn't he...?"
Cole nodded, "One of the first Sources, one who invented the Chamber Ezekiel used on Gabriel about two years ago."
"How did you find this?" Gerald wondered.
Cole shook his head, "It's not important. What matters is that this is a journal Balkos made of his creation of the Chamber. Included within is the fact that he didn't invent it."
"What, what do you mean?" the group demanded.
"According to this journal, Balkos corrupted a design of another Chamber, one to be used on a good being," Cole explained, "however, while it does mention that this good Chamber is even stronger than his, it doesn't say where it is. The only clue it gives is something about a mountain path, and a test."
"Wait, I think I saw something..." Michael muttered. He reached over and began flipping through a book. "Here it is. '...and lo, those that walk the mountain path must go alone. Only the chosen few will find the path, and should they ascend, must face a great challenge. Though danger lurks, ultimate reward awaits'."
"It's rather vague," Phoebe commented.
Michael nodded, "It was written by a monk discovered wandering near the base of a mountain in another realm. He was deeply injured, and only lived long enough to write this."
"Does it say what realm they found him in," Gerald demanded.
Michael smiled, "The exact location is right here. But there's a problem. Many people have gone before we would, and none have been seen again."
The group all looked at Gabriel. As much as Cole wanted to stop him (and he could feel similar feelings emanating from Phoebe), it was his choice. Cole had to respect his choice, no matter what.
Gabriel sighed, and said, "Let's go for it. Gerald, take me there."
***
"Are you sure about this?" Gerald wondered. He and Gabriel were standing at the base of a mountain that shot up into the sky farther than the eye could see. Directly in front of them was a small mountain path, heavily shrouded in mist.
Gabriel nodded. "Wait here. I'll come back if I don't find anything, or if I succeed."
"I could go with you," Gerald began, but Gabriel shook his head.
"No, the book said I must go alone. I'll be fine, don't worry," Gabriel said with a grin. He then turned and started walking up the path.
Almost as soon as he got on the path, the mists became thicker, obscuring everything not three feet in front of him. Gabriel trudged on, determined, for what felt like hours. He was tense, expecting the danger the book warned about, but nothing ever came.
Without warning, the mists, vanished, and Gabriel found himself standing at the edge of a small, circular plateau. At the other end, the remainder of the mountain stood, but there was an opening in it. The opening appeared to have been carved directly in the opening, and greenish mist swirled within the opening, preventing Gabriel from seeing what was in side. As Gabriel entered, he felt a strange feeling descend over him. In panic, Gabriel realized what little powers he had were now blocked. It was then he saw him.
Directly in front of the opening was the most intimidating man Gabriel had ever seen. There was not an inch of him that wasn't defined with muscle. If Gabriel had planned on building the perfectly built warrior, it would look close to this man. The man had silver hair tied in a ponytail, and a hawkish sort of look to his face. His eyes bore into Gabriel, as if weighing and judging him.
Gabriel swallowed, "Does this Chamber enhance powers?"
The man nodded, "It does. It would enhance your powers beyond your wildest dreams."
"May I use it?" Gabriel asked.
"Only if you defeat me," the man stated.
"What?" Gabriel demanded in shock.
The man continued, "This Chamber is supposed to be used by only one person, a being who will change destiny and hold the fate of reality in his hands. However, you're not him, so you'll have to defeat me to use it."
"How do you know I'm not the one?" Gabriel pointed out.
"His image has been shown to me in the mists since the day I first became its protector. I know who I'm waiting for, trust me," the man mentioned.
"Can it only be used once?" Gabriel questioned.
The man shook his head, "No, but only the Destined One can utilize its full potential."
"Then why are we fighting? Why not let me just use it? Even if I'm not the destined one, I can still gain something from it," Gabriel remarked reasonably.
The man shook his head, "When I, Silverhawk, was appointed to protect this Chamber, I was told to fight and kill everyone who wanted to use it, save the Destined One. I am honor bound to do so. It's a pity, for I can see you are a good person. As were many of the others."
Gabriel looked down, and realized in shock that the ground was littered with thousands of broken and shattered skulls. "How many have you killed?" He demanded in horror.
Silverhawk shrugged, "I've lost count. It doesn't matter. All die who attempt to use this chamber. Even good people can misuse their enhanced powers, so it was decided only those who beat me would be worthy."
"I'm not going to fight you," Gabriel stated. "I'll just leave."
"Then you'll never use the Chamber. And I'm afraid you can't leave. You've seen this place, so you must challenge or you die." Silverhawk countered. He gestured, and a rack of weapons appeared, "Since you're challenging, I'll let you choose your weapon."
Gabriel battled inwardly, but he really had no choice. He walked forward and perused the rack, which seemed to hold any weapon he could possibly want. He finally picked a short sword.
Silverhawk smiled as he drew his sword, "Good choice," he then drove forward with an overhand swing. Gabriel barely dodged, and Silverhawk continued to press his attack. He was as quick and nimble as a snake, and it was all Gabriel could do to keep from being slaughtered.
They fought for several minutes, with Gabriel being pushed around and just barely preventing his death. Gabriel was getting tired, but Silverhawk didn't even seem winded. Gabriel pressed desperately, trying to stop him. He knew if he fell, he'd be dead, but he just couldn't get through Silverhawk's defenses.
As Gabriel dodged near a wall, he stumbled. He felt the sword coming, and managed to get his own up to deflect it. Instead of catching the edge, Gabriel felt the flat of the blade slam into the back of his head. Stars erupted around him, and he felt his consciousness fading. He tried to hold on, but it was a losing battle. Gabriel fell to the floor unconscious.
Silverhawk approached slowly, his sword raised. When he got close, he slowly knelt down and placed his hand on Gabriel's brow. There was a slight glow, and then Silverhawk gestured. The mists slowly lifted Gabriel up and carried him into their embrace. Silverhawk smiled.
***
Gerald paced restlessly. He should never have let Gabriel go in alone, it was a mistake. Five more minutes and then he'd go in after him, rules or...
Gerald turned as the mists parted and Gabriel walked out, "Any luck?"
Gabriel shook his head, "I wandered around for hours, until I got to the top. There's nothing up there. It was all a hoax."
"What about all the people who never returned?" Gerald pressed.
Gabriel shrugged, "Who knows, I almost died a couple of times from falling rocks. With those mists, it's hard to see, so it's possible they wouldn't see a falling rock coming. Regardless, this was a waste of time, let's get out of here."
Gerald nodded and said, "If you say so." They then turned and walked off.
***
Silverhawk watched them leave, making sure they didn't turn back. When they were gone, he turned and gestured, causing the weapons rack to vanish back into the mists. Silverhawk then turned and walked to the entrance of the Chamber. As he watched, the mists coalesced, until there was an image before him...an image of a man in his mid twenties...a man with black hair down to his shoulders and a tight muscular body.
A man with hourglass eyes.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Sequel to "Confrontation". I do not own any part of Charmed; I just write about it.
"What do you mean?" Phoebe demanded as the look of horror did not fade from Gabriel's face.
Gabriel did not directly respond. Instead, he turned and pointed at a smallish rock. It slowly started to float as a deep look of concentration came over Gabriel's face. It held there for several moments, before it wobbled and fell. Gabriel slumped, breathing deeply. "I used to be able to hold up mountains if I wanted. Now I can barely hold up that small rock. My powers are incredibly weak. It didn't work."
Fighting back bitterness, Cole said, "We'll discuss our next step later. For now, let's get out of the Underworld before we draw too much attention."
The others nodded as they all surrounded Gabriel. A look of deep anger came over Gabriel's face as they faded out.
***
"ANGEL!" Gabriel yelled into his mind. His voice echoed endlessly within his mind, "GET OUT HERE!"
"You needn't shout," Angel remarked as he appeared, "I'm right here."
"You bastard, I'm getting rid of you right now!" Gabriel stated angrily.
"What? Why?" Angel began, but stopped as he dodged a punch thrown by Gabriel.
"Your plan didn't work, my powers are still weak," Gabriel explained as he furiously attacked Angel.
Suddenly, Angel's hand darted out and grabbed Gabriel's hand, stopping his assault flat. As Gabriel struggled, Angel said, "Calm down and explain. You used the Lake?"
"Yes, and a flat lot of good it did," Gabriel muttered darkly.
Angel's eyebrow lifted, "Really? You seem in much better shape overall. Is your mind still in agony?"
To his surprise, Gabriel's mind felt fine for the first time in two days. He'd been so angry, he hadn't noticed. "No, actually it's fine," Gabriel said in surprise.
Angel smiled as he released Gabriel's hand. "Then the Lake worked perfectly."
"But my powers..." Gabriel began, but Angel laughed.
"The Lake was never meant to empower you," Angel commented.
"But you said it would," Gabriel countered.
Angel shook his head, "I promised no such thing. All I said was that the Lake would heal you, and it did. The mental and magical injuries you suffered from your savage renunciation of your powers are healed."
"But I'm so weak magically," Gabriel remarked pointedly.
Angel sighed, "Now I understand why you never defeated the real Angel."
"What do you mean, he's dead and I'm not," Gabriel remarked.
"There was not a thing you did that he did not expect," Angel snapped. "You never 'beat' him; you just lucked out. The first time he was betrayed by his son. What exactly did you have to do with that?"
"Well, nothing, but..." Gabriel interected.
"And as for the second time, my presence proves you did not catch Angel by surprise," Angel finished, "and do you know why you never beat him?"
"Why is that?" Gabriel muttered.
"Because you only focus on the short term, not long term," Angel explained, "The real Angel had planned an entire war, and had lived for millennia having to plan for every possibility. You were so preoccupied with your current move you never considered strategy. That's all right for witches, those stupid Whitelighters, and those feeble brained Guardians, but you're an Azarian. You should always be thinking strategically."
Gabriel sighed, and forced out, "You may be right. So, explain why you had me use the Lake. So I can learn."
Angel smiled, "I'll make a true Azarian leader out of you yet. It is much rarer to find something to heal wounds like you had than to find something to enhance your powers. Think of all the artifacts, rooms, spells, etc you've run across that launched a demon's powers to near your equal. All you need to do is find something along those lines for good, and you'll be as strong as ever. Stronger even."
Gabriel subconsciously nodded as he recognized the wisdom in that point, "Alright, where will I find one of these artifacts?"
Angel shrugged, "Beats me."
"What?" Gabriel demanded.
"The real Angel never needed to discover a way to enhance powers for a long term effect, so I have no knowledge of such things," Angel explained. "But you have a very competent family, I'm sure they can find something. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if they haven't already come to the same conclusion and are trying to find such an object."
Gabriel was going to argue when Angel vanished. "Damn it, I hate when he does that," Gabriel muttered. As Gabriel turned to 'leave' his mind, he couldn't help but realize how useful it was having Angel around. And part of him was very disturbed by that fact.
***
Gabriel had fallen asleep as soon as they had returned, probably exhausted from his ordeal. The others were gathered downstairs, discussing what to do next. "It's obvious Gabriel's powers are greatly reduced," Piper stated. "So, the question is, what do we do now?"
"For starters, we could just accept his reduced power status," Michael began.
"Gabriel will never accept that. He has to be the best, it's an ego thing," Gerald countered.
"How do you know that?" Phoebe interjected.
"Because he's just like his father," Gerald teased as Cole mock hit him.
"Alright, then our next step is to find some way to enhance and improve Gabriel's powers," Michael concluded.
"How exactly are we going to do that?" Paige demanded.
Michael and Leo shared a glance, and then shrugged helplessly, "I don't know," Leo confessed, "but for starters, I'll check with the Elders. I recommend the rest of you go to the Library and see if they have anything."
"Actually, there's something I need to check on," Cole said suddenly. He stood, and vanished.
"Well that's helpful," Paige muttered.
"Cole thinks he has something, I can feel it," Phoebe countered defensively.
"Argue later, research now," Piper commanded.
As they got up to leave, Gabriel descended the stairs. "What's going on?" he asked.
"We're going to go to the Library to see what we can find about a way to enhance your powers," Piper explained.
Phoebe saw something flicker in Gabriel's eyes before he said, "That's a really good idea; I wish I'd thought of that. I'll come with you, and help you look."
As they turned to leave, Gabriel looked around and asked, "Where's Cole?"
***
Cole walked slowly into the chamber. Even now he still got shivers just being here. This place stank of evil; it permeated every stone here like water in a sponge. This place was the Chamber that Ezekiel had used so long ago to corrupt his son. Though the Chamber was useless, it's 'purpose' complete, Cole felt a strong desire to leave. But he couldn't just yet, because there was something here that could help his son.
Cole knew it, even as he knew where that knowledge came from. When Michael had mentioned what they needed, Cole had felt a flash of recognition in the deepest part of his mind, the part where the memories of the Source resided. Those memories had led Cole here, and while he was suspicious, he also had to know.
Cole wandered the room slowly, seeking a specific spot, a spot that was shown in his mind. Finally, he found it, a slight depression in the rock of one wall. Cole pressed in on it, and there was a hissing noise as the stone to his right faded, revealing a tiny alcove. Looking in, Cole saw only one thing, a leather-bound book remarkably well-preserved for how old it must be. As Cole picked it up, he read the cover.
Balkos.
***
Piper slowly slid a book away from her. She started rubbing her eyes, as they hurt. They'd been at it for a couple of hours, and were still getting no where. She looked up as Michael walked in with Gabriel, "Any luck?"
Michael shook his head, "We talked to the Founders, and they say the room the Kobold King used is gone, it's power exhausted. There's no way Gabriel could use it."
"It was worth a shot," Phoebe muttered.
Michael was about to counter when he saw Cole walking over, "Hey Cole, where have you..." Michael began, but stopped when he saw Cole's face.
Cole put a book down on the table, and stated, "I may have found something."
"What? What did you...?" Piper began, but trailed off as she read the cover of the book. "Balkos, wasn't he...?"
Cole nodded, "One of the first Sources, one who invented the Chamber Ezekiel used on Gabriel about two years ago."
"How did you find this?" Gerald wondered.
Cole shook his head, "It's not important. What matters is that this is a journal Balkos made of his creation of the Chamber. Included within is the fact that he didn't invent it."
"What, what do you mean?" the group demanded.
"According to this journal, Balkos corrupted a design of another Chamber, one to be used on a good being," Cole explained, "however, while it does mention that this good Chamber is even stronger than his, it doesn't say where it is. The only clue it gives is something about a mountain path, and a test."
"Wait, I think I saw something..." Michael muttered. He reached over and began flipping through a book. "Here it is. '...and lo, those that walk the mountain path must go alone. Only the chosen few will find the path, and should they ascend, must face a great challenge. Though danger lurks, ultimate reward awaits'."
"It's rather vague," Phoebe commented.
Michael nodded, "It was written by a monk discovered wandering near the base of a mountain in another realm. He was deeply injured, and only lived long enough to write this."
"Does it say what realm they found him in," Gerald demanded.
Michael smiled, "The exact location is right here. But there's a problem. Many people have gone before we would, and none have been seen again."
The group all looked at Gabriel. As much as Cole wanted to stop him (and he could feel similar feelings emanating from Phoebe), it was his choice. Cole had to respect his choice, no matter what.
Gabriel sighed, and said, "Let's go for it. Gerald, take me there."
***
"Are you sure about this?" Gerald wondered. He and Gabriel were standing at the base of a mountain that shot up into the sky farther than the eye could see. Directly in front of them was a small mountain path, heavily shrouded in mist.
Gabriel nodded. "Wait here. I'll come back if I don't find anything, or if I succeed."
"I could go with you," Gerald began, but Gabriel shook his head.
"No, the book said I must go alone. I'll be fine, don't worry," Gabriel said with a grin. He then turned and started walking up the path.
Almost as soon as he got on the path, the mists became thicker, obscuring everything not three feet in front of him. Gabriel trudged on, determined, for what felt like hours. He was tense, expecting the danger the book warned about, but nothing ever came.
Without warning, the mists, vanished, and Gabriel found himself standing at the edge of a small, circular plateau. At the other end, the remainder of the mountain stood, but there was an opening in it. The opening appeared to have been carved directly in the opening, and greenish mist swirled within the opening, preventing Gabriel from seeing what was in side. As Gabriel entered, he felt a strange feeling descend over him. In panic, Gabriel realized what little powers he had were now blocked. It was then he saw him.
Directly in front of the opening was the most intimidating man Gabriel had ever seen. There was not an inch of him that wasn't defined with muscle. If Gabriel had planned on building the perfectly built warrior, it would look close to this man. The man had silver hair tied in a ponytail, and a hawkish sort of look to his face. His eyes bore into Gabriel, as if weighing and judging him.
Gabriel swallowed, "Does this Chamber enhance powers?"
The man nodded, "It does. It would enhance your powers beyond your wildest dreams."
"May I use it?" Gabriel asked.
"Only if you defeat me," the man stated.
"What?" Gabriel demanded in shock.
The man continued, "This Chamber is supposed to be used by only one person, a being who will change destiny and hold the fate of reality in his hands. However, you're not him, so you'll have to defeat me to use it."
"How do you know I'm not the one?" Gabriel pointed out.
"His image has been shown to me in the mists since the day I first became its protector. I know who I'm waiting for, trust me," the man mentioned.
"Can it only be used once?" Gabriel questioned.
The man shook his head, "No, but only the Destined One can utilize its full potential."
"Then why are we fighting? Why not let me just use it? Even if I'm not the destined one, I can still gain something from it," Gabriel remarked reasonably.
The man shook his head, "When I, Silverhawk, was appointed to protect this Chamber, I was told to fight and kill everyone who wanted to use it, save the Destined One. I am honor bound to do so. It's a pity, for I can see you are a good person. As were many of the others."
Gabriel looked down, and realized in shock that the ground was littered with thousands of broken and shattered skulls. "How many have you killed?" He demanded in horror.
Silverhawk shrugged, "I've lost count. It doesn't matter. All die who attempt to use this chamber. Even good people can misuse their enhanced powers, so it was decided only those who beat me would be worthy."
"I'm not going to fight you," Gabriel stated. "I'll just leave."
"Then you'll never use the Chamber. And I'm afraid you can't leave. You've seen this place, so you must challenge or you die." Silverhawk countered. He gestured, and a rack of weapons appeared, "Since you're challenging, I'll let you choose your weapon."
Gabriel battled inwardly, but he really had no choice. He walked forward and perused the rack, which seemed to hold any weapon he could possibly want. He finally picked a short sword.
Silverhawk smiled as he drew his sword, "Good choice," he then drove forward with an overhand swing. Gabriel barely dodged, and Silverhawk continued to press his attack. He was as quick and nimble as a snake, and it was all Gabriel could do to keep from being slaughtered.
They fought for several minutes, with Gabriel being pushed around and just barely preventing his death. Gabriel was getting tired, but Silverhawk didn't even seem winded. Gabriel pressed desperately, trying to stop him. He knew if he fell, he'd be dead, but he just couldn't get through Silverhawk's defenses.
As Gabriel dodged near a wall, he stumbled. He felt the sword coming, and managed to get his own up to deflect it. Instead of catching the edge, Gabriel felt the flat of the blade slam into the back of his head. Stars erupted around him, and he felt his consciousness fading. He tried to hold on, but it was a losing battle. Gabriel fell to the floor unconscious.
Silverhawk approached slowly, his sword raised. When he got close, he slowly knelt down and placed his hand on Gabriel's brow. There was a slight glow, and then Silverhawk gestured. The mists slowly lifted Gabriel up and carried him into their embrace. Silverhawk smiled.
***
Gerald paced restlessly. He should never have let Gabriel go in alone, it was a mistake. Five more minutes and then he'd go in after him, rules or...
Gerald turned as the mists parted and Gabriel walked out, "Any luck?"
Gabriel shook his head, "I wandered around for hours, until I got to the top. There's nothing up there. It was all a hoax."
"What about all the people who never returned?" Gerald pressed.
Gabriel shrugged, "Who knows, I almost died a couple of times from falling rocks. With those mists, it's hard to see, so it's possible they wouldn't see a falling rock coming. Regardless, this was a waste of time, let's get out of here."
Gerald nodded and said, "If you say so." They then turned and walked off.
***
Silverhawk watched them leave, making sure they didn't turn back. When they were gone, he turned and gestured, causing the weapons rack to vanish back into the mists. Silverhawk then turned and walked to the entrance of the Chamber. As he watched, the mists coalesced, until there was an image before him...an image of a man in his mid twenties...a man with black hair down to his shoulders and a tight muscular body.
A man with hourglass eyes.
TO BE CONTINUED...