Dart was plagued all week by horrible nightmares and thoughts of Aelar. No matter what he did he couldn't stop wondering who or what is he'. He had told his friends about this mysterious stranger and how he helped them. He didn't tell them what he had said to him. That I have yet to decide Dart' the ghostly voice rang in his head again. He could only hope Aelar was helping them.
He was searching. Aelar felt the presence, it was growing nearer with every step. He was stalking it. It was close. He could distinctly feel it now, it felt like cymbals clashing in his head. He could see it. Just over this ridge and he should see it. He found it. Looking down he saw a group of people dressed rather brightly, all in different colours. He laughed to himself silently. This was just too unbelievable to be true.
Stop' Dart commanded. He looked around nervously, afraid of what he might see. What is it Dart' Albert called. Quiet' he said. He concentrated on the feeling inside him, feeling it pulse. Something is here' he thought. Just as swiftly as the feeling had come it went. Dart paused for a bit. Lets go' he called to his friends.
Meru was annoyed. Why do you keep stopping for no reason Dart'? Again she was rewarded with no answer. You're no fun' she pouted and ran off into the bushes, leaving the campfire and her friends behind. She amused herself for a while with the scenery and little woodland animals, not aware of the shadow behind her, watching her.
Aelar couldn't believe that this hyperactive kid could house Cael. But never the less he had to do this. It was necessary that Cael be released. He approached the one called Meru, not noticing she tensed when she heard his footfall.
Meru slowly gripped her hammer readying herself to strike. She twirled and struck blindly behind her only to hit nothing. You can't hurt me' came a cool voice from behind her. Again she twirled hitting something this time. But it didn't appear to be hurt when she examined it. In fact it seemed to be amused. She realised with a shock that it had blocked her blow with its forearm.
Aelar was amused at her little display of rebellion. Hopefully she would survive the extraction. The world needed more people like this. He sent his power forth into her body to check that Cael was indeed housed in her. He was. He just needed a path to come out. Anger would serve the need of a path nicely.
Meru was confused. How can he just stand there smirking after taking a hit that should have broken his arm'? Was she getting weak? The figure in front of her seemed to blur. She watched as its shape changed, changed into her. How the hell'. She was cut off by an attack from the other Meru. She didn't know who this thing was and why it was imitating her but whatever it was it wanted to fight. She swung out with her hammer striking air. Turning around she found herself face to face with herself. Not just one of herself but several. Then she transformed knowing she couldn't beat them normally. As she transformed all the others did as well. Now she was angry.
Perfect' said Aelar. Now come forth Cael.
Meru transformed back feeling weak all of a sudden. What was happening to her. She felt something dark inside her bursting forth. It felt the same, yet different, to the one who had morphed into her. It looked different however. At about 6 foot 5 it towered over Meru and stood to Aelar's shoulder. Its skin, or whatever it was, gleamed dark as night. Two enormous bat-like wings sprouted from its back. Its lanky arms ended in hands tipped with foot long claws that seemed to cut the air itself.
Ahhhh' Cael sighed, free from that puny wenches body at last'. Welcome back Cael' Aelar murmured. Who are you' Meru whispered not quite feeling right. Ask your friend Dart' he replied coldly. With that they were gone.