Disclaimer: Nothing belongs to me except plotlines, clans and their members, and Grey Tower.
***
Chapter Thirty: First Defeat
A cool and gentle breeze blew across the expanse. The tall green grasses that covered the realm of Lethe, land of oblivion, swayed and rolled much like a restless green sea. But there were spots of color here and there among this endless viridian. Some pale blue and purple splotches dotted the fields here and there, adding a variety that was normally never seen. But this beauty was very rarely appreciated. This color was nothing compared to the heavens above. Ribbons of pale green, bright red, striking blue, and golden yellow twisted across the skies in an magnificent tapestry, thinly veiling the silver light of diamond stars. The black ocean called Eternity, so calm and still, managed to have white foam bubbles cresting its dark waves as they crashed onto the gray shores.
Though the pilgrims making their way to the Land of the Dead did not seem to notice this. Invariably, their excitement from their journey turned to blank indifference as their feet touched the shores. In the universe's great continuity, they made their way to the boats docked on several canals, one for each of them. Upriver, they would be taken, to be judged by the Queen of the Dead herself in the dread castle of Annuvin. Though a few had taken the other river, their boats traveling back across the Ocean of Eternity. As they drew closer to the barrier that divided this place from the living mortal realm, their bodies turned to a silvery transparent gray.
However, there was one person in this quiet land who was himself. Actually, there were several, but a few were just visiting. Though Black Wolf of Annuvin would more likely call it 'slacking'. But most beings tended to ignore the sneering comments made by that statue. There would be no pleasing that spirit. Only the great Lady Nyx, goddess of night and the wife of Erebus, would ever manage to attain his respect.
On the rocky hill were the Night Tree grew, a dark haired man in his mid-twenties was laughing merrily. The silver mythril edging on his black robes stood out starkly against the dark material. His dark blue eyes, flecked with the customary gold and silver specks of those descended from the Lord of Tartarus, glinted with evident enjoyment. This was a new sight in Lethe, but like most things in that place, it wasn't duly noted. For this man, trapped in the quiet realm, was rarely ever this happy. Over the last fifty years, one would be more accustomed to finding a much more morose, depressed individual.
Tom Riddle was acting more of himself. It was probably due to his increased contact with other living people. The unconscious journeyers to Annuvin hardly made for good company. It was about time for him to get out of his self-imposed depression and start to be the person he once was. 'The Dark Sovereign' who was claimed to escape this land in the prophecies seemed to be preparing for this inevitability.
During most of the time he was, anyway.
"This is great," he pronounced, his smile wide and genuine. In his pale fingers, he gripped a wand made of a unknown black wood. It was to the trained eye, darker than even the blackest ebony. A pattern of leaves was engraved into the grain, filled with a strange white substance. If one were not a outsider to this land, they would notice that the Night Tree was missing two branches. The trunk of the legendary tree had the same color and texture as the wood in Tom's hands.
With an easy flick of his wrist, the wand extended into a staff topped with a dark blue gem that was not any of any kind found on the mortal plain. After twirling it expertly in his hands, it returned to the compact form of a wand.
"It's perfect. I'm amazed that it works so well," he commented, turning to the three Reapers gathered around him. "What was it made of once more?"
Ptolemy Shadis' swarthy face was in a grin. The former desert bandit easily drawled, "Night tree wood. The phoenix feather that is inside comes from Hikari, the first phoenix to ever exist."
"That certainly explains the power it has. But the wand is amplified."
"That's because of the basilisk fang," Annie Kentworth, former duchess of Caventry noted. "That white stuff – oh, if you want to do it, just say so, Indra!"
"Fine then," Indra Mughal responded coolly. The collected man of Indian origins would never say 'stuff' like the bubbly Englishwoman. "That substance that forms the pattern is basilisk fang after it had been melted down and poured into the engraving. It amplifies your wand because you are a parselmouth. If you hadn't had this gift, then it would have just done nothing."
"And the jewel?" Tom inquired.
The three Reapers instantly became uncomfortable. Indra's face became inscrutable while both Annie and Ptolemy glanced anywhere but at Tom. "It…isn't for us to say," Annie finally said. The other two looked relieved that the woman responded.
Tom scowled. "I hate not knowing things."
I've seen competition like this before, but never on such a scale.
Really? Where exactly, might I enquire?
Rome was an interesting place.
It is too bad that you were shut inside that tomb when you were. The fights of feudal Japan and the war conquests that had gone on in Asia and Europe after the fall of Rome were incredible events.
I'm sure the pharaoh had good intentions for putting me in there. He was sworn into the service of Melania Amarna, the Dark Lady. And I had ventured out of the tomb once in a while!
You still didn't see them, did you?
…No. Shut up.
But the master is doing well.
I agree. We'll have to see how he does here.
He was quite shocked when we ran up to him after his win last time.
I do not see why. We were just showing affection.
Though we tackled him to the ground in our adoration.
You have a point…must the old ones be so loud?!
They are hardly old when you consider we are, Kardis.
I'm obviously going by human standards, White Owl.
I was well aware of that. Leave them be. Our master has the right to be cheered for.
Did I show any objection to his receiving of support?
It sounded as if you were.
I wasn't. But I'm sure that they could cheer a bit more quietly. I am a cat after all and we felines have excellent hearing.
They have nothing on owls when it comes to eyesight though.
Yes, they do.
No, they don't.
Yes, they do!
Don't.
Do.
Don't.
Do.
Don't.
Do.
Don't.
Do.
Don't.
Do.
…Why don't we have a bit of wager to settle things?
No. I've seen humans and gods gambling before. It either results in embarrassment, anger, revenge, large-scale destruction, or an individual disrobing in a public place. I'd rather avoid that, thank you.
So I'm right then?
No way! What are we betting?
Whoever sees the finishing blow better than the other wins the wager. I haven't decided on prize yet.
They hurt that blonde fellow who kept on making feeble attempts at courtship with the master's mother before?
Perfect.
"Welcome everyone to the second round of the Arashi-Tenku tournament!" Wild cheering greeted the statement made by Zylle, the sound erupting to a thrilling intensity. The lights of the tournament hall seemed to have brightened with the sheer enthusiasm and excitement that the crowd was exuding. Night glanced around nervously. He had a bad feeling. It was somehow connected to his friends. The odd thing was, it seemed to be focused in two different places. One was here. The other was…somewhere else. He didn't know what to make of it.
"The same rules apply here as with the last round." With a flash of amusement, he noticed that Simeon Bradley merely blinked in bewilderment before leaning to speak with his sister. Mariya just scowled before whispering hastily to him.
Instead of the sixteen that once sat here, only twelve remained. He was happy to count himself as one of them. Bran and Trina sat with him like they had last time and Mordecai Freely, still seeming to be very apprehensive, sat once more next to Trina. Even from here, Night could feel pressuring glares from someone in the audience towards the water elemental. He was personally glad he didn't have that sort of pressure. Well, he didn't exactly lack it. He wanted to make Zylle, Gran, and Hans proud. As well prove his abilities to Professor Coulter.
"The match will begin immediately and be held in this order:
Match 1: Nuitari Hawking vs. Lee Seldon."
Night mentally cursed at his fortune. Looking over at the judge's table, he locked eyes with Zylle. She gave him a sympathetic look before glaring at the woman next to her. Professor Coulter, the recipient of the glare, merely waved cheerily with a smirk on his face. Oh, he certainly had a lot of luck. Trina just gave him a pat on the shoulder and Bran just shrugged, obviously saying without words that he needn't worry.
Still, he would rather not have the first match up.
Lee Seldon was seated a little ways down, next to Helena Taylor. If Night's eyes weren't deceiving him, then he could swear that Lee looked nervous. What for? It wasn't as if Night was particularly good or anything. Though he could use all four elements and had four great teachers. But what Night had in tutelage, he lacked in the experience that no doubt Lee possessed.
"Match 2: Mordecai Freely vs. Helena Taylor."
Again, Mordecai was in the second match. Lucky. But Mordecai didn't bat an eyelash. This rather concerned Night. Helena was pretty good, even Night had to admit that. However, the water elemental seemed very unconcerned with the arrangement. It was as if he knew he was going to win.
Helena was looking slightly green, but a few words from her boyfriend behind her seemed to appease her somewhat. Pierce Rowan and Helena Taylor were considered the "Golden Couple" of all the elemental clans, so it was not too much of a surprise to see them together.
"Match 3: Bran Ravencroft vs. Mariya Bradley."
Bran smirked. "Well, third match again. Lucky me."
Night had to admit that he was blessed. Bran, like Mordecai, did not look too nervous about his match. The redhead seemed as if this were a walk in the park. Night didn't think too much of this. Bran was a strategist who always was prepared, whether beforehand or right in the middle of something. Mariya was very good at sneaking and stealthy moves that caught her opponent off guard. Bran must've been watching the last match closely to be so blasé about the match.
Mariya on the other hand looked like she was going to bolt right then and there. But Simeon was in the way. It looked as if he were threatening her somewhat. He was probably pressuring her to win. If Simeon hated Night and Trina, then he had nothing short of loathing for Bran.
Next to him, Trina tensed. "That means I have the last match with…"
"Match 4: Triana Smythe vs. Simeon Bradley."
Trina groaned while Simeon Bradley looked more pleased than he had ever been. "Just my luck."
"The victors of these matches will move onto the semi-finals. We wish you all luck in your battles. Now, will Nuitari Hawking and Lee Seldon please step into the ring for the first match?"
As if on casters, Night walked into the ring. He received an heartening hug from Trina and a nod of acknowledgement from both Bran and Mordecai. Zylle across the ring in the judge's both gave him a meaningful look. The message was crystal clear: I don't care whether you win. But if you hurt yourself, then you know what happens! Oh, he knew. He'd be getting a lecture on how to defend himself that was interrupted sporadically and very often by motherly worry and fuss. Professor Coulter looked as cool as a cucumber, giving him an even ice blue gaze. Mirai just smiled and waved cheerfully. Surprisingly, Helena and Mariya also gave him supporting gestures.
Predictably, Simeon Bradley just sneered. But Night wasn't expecting any encouragement from that corner.
Lee Seldon, who was a mousy-haired youth with friendly brown eyes, stepped into the ring as well. He was wearing primarily red and white. There was a fire aura around him, so Night knew what to expect. Thinking back to the match with Calvin Springfield, the best strategy to implement the earth element, while using the wind element for speed and evasion. Calvin didn't have the speed (nor heart) to avoid hits in that prior match. He would have to do differently.
"Let the match begin!"
A plume of red fire rushed at him as soon as the signal was given.
Just as quickly, a shield of earth energy appeared, blocking the flames easily and holding strong.
Lee ran forward, flame sword raised high to strike. The earth shield collapsed like butter beneath the red blade and flickered out. A smile of triumph.
But no one was there.
A brief look of confusion passed on the fire elemental's face before a flash of understanding. Just in time, he leaped up, avoiding a horizontal cut from behind.
Whirling in mid-air, Lee prepared himself to see Night and launch a counter-attack. But Night was wearing a pleased smirk on his face, gray eyes glinting delightedly and casually leaning on a rapier made of the earth element. Raising one hand, the wind elemental made a harsh slamming motion with it towards the earth. Lee's eyes widened in realization of what was to come.
The crowd winced and sounded off in sympathy as Lee's body came slamming to the ground from the air with a tremendous force. When he got up from the ring floor, a few cracks could be seen in the stone.
But Night certainly wasn't prepared for the next attack. Lee faked left before abruptly slicing at the wind elemental's leg. Night staggered. A quick glance at the injured appendage told him all that he needed to know.
Blood, pure and scarlet mortality, dripped down his pants' leg onto the ground, painting the stone a vivid crimson. The crowd was screaming out insults, cheers; encouragement and slurs. The first blood of the second round of the second round had been spilt.
Two fireballs formed in Lee's hands and were predictably thrown towards him. Wincing as he gingerly put weight on his leg, he dodged both before making a bringing his rapier down to the earth in a slash.
With a mighty crash, a deep fissure formed and fractured the ground. The whole stadium shook with the fury of the quake. The fire elemental gallantly tried to regain his balance, but was hit full on by the force of the earth attack. To add to this assault, the earth seemed to swallow and trap his entire body in its strong hold, his head being the exception.
Lee struggled to get out of the chasm, but Night merely held his earth rapier to his opponent's neck. The match was undeniably over.
"And the first match goes to Nuitari Hawking! He will advance into the semi-finals!"
Night found it hard to fight the blush tingeing his cheeks as the crowd cheered wildly for him. Well, he did admit he did well. But it wasn't as if he had done anything spectacular. The ovation was still overwhelming to him. After briefly stopping to shake Lee's hand in good sportsmanship, he almost sprinted to the medic's booth to heal his leg injury. It was a deep cut and was still bleeding freely. The nurse, a serious woman by the name of Chrissie, just tutted before applying healing herbs and a bandage, adding a bit of her own earth magic to speed up the healing process. After saying a brief thank you, he limped to the competitor's stands. Already, he could feel his mother's gray eyes boring into him. He was going to get it.
Bran gave him a high-five. "Nice one, mate."
"You won!" Trina squealed. "That's great! See?! Nothing to worry about!"
"Will Mordecai Freely and Helena Taylor step into the ring for the second match?"
"Good job," Bran complimented as he sat down. He returned the praise with a grin. It was still embarrassing though to have your grandmother and her best friend (who was like a grandfather to him) to be screaming and cheering like that. It never ceased to amaze him about how two elderly people could have so much energy.
He put his head in his hands in discomfiture as Trina laughed. "You really don't need a cheering block, now do you?! Only bring them along!"
The two boys gladly joined in her mirth, but they sobered as Mordecai Freely stood up to get into the ring. This duel would be interesting, since Helena had the advantage. Usually, earth elementals couldn't measure up with water elementals. But Helena's earth magic was especially adept at controlling plants and their growth. Earth elementals like her could easily conjure up a few seeds to turn the tide, excusing the pun.
"Let the match begin!"
Mordecai ducked quickly as Helena rushed at him with a charge. The short earth sword swung at only nothing because of the hasty dodge. As he performed a low kick to her ankles in an attempt to knock her off balance, she jumped and avoided his feet.
Helena gracefully landed a few feet away from the water elemental, while Mordecai rose to his feet, watching her warily with intense clear blue eyes. It struck Night then that all the people he had met with blue eyes had different characteristics to them. Bran's dark blue ones always told his emotions while Professor Coulter's icy ones blocked her every thought. And the Lady and Tom's were once again different…but that was completely off topic. Shaking these musings out of his thoughts, Night returned his attention to the ring.
Helena waved her hands in an encompassing motion over the ring. The crowd started conversing in whispers as the ground began to tremor violently. Mordecai was looking down at the floor shaking at his feet with evident confusion.
There was a flash of blinding verdant green light.
When the light faded and sight was regained, it was to see a victorious looking Helena. Mordecai, however, didn't look too happy.
The water elemental was raised several feet off the ring floor, restrained and unable to move. Thick vines, covered in lush olive green leaves and large lily-like flowers, bound his legs. Two other vines imprisoned each of his arms. Another was wrapped around his torso and a thin creeper around his neck.
Once more, Helena was doing something with her hands. Night's mind went back to the first few days he was in Grey Tower Sanctuary Hospital. Helena's hand movements strongly reminded him of what Mirabelle had done to the plants in his hospital room.
The flowers began to put out a strong golden colored powder. He winced. Stun powder was a very effective weapon. It seemed as if Helena was taking no chances with this match. Soon, the particles covered Mordecai from head to toe. By just looking at the boy's face, he could tell he was paralyzed.
The vines receded back into the ground, clearing the ring. Helena went forward to make the final strike.
Mordecai, however, evidently had other plans.
He rolled out of the way as the earth elemental attacked, evading the assault. Also, as he struggled to get up, the water elemental managed to douse himself completely in his element. Helena, a chestnut eyebrow twitching, tried to assail him once more.
But Mordecai avoided the attack once more, executing a back flip out harm's way. He appeared to be winded, but not as winded as Helena was. Apparently, the strain of attacking and conjuring had put a strain on her.
Mordecai quickly summoned a water sword and charged. Helena, trying to regain a second wind, had done the same.
The clash of swords pervaded the stadium.
Shards of earth elemental magic glinted in the lights before clattering to the ground. Helena collapsed to the floor as well, the hilt of an earth energy sword gripped tightly in her hand.
"And the second match and advancement into the semi-finals goes to Mordecai Freely!"
Cheering once more pervaded the arena, but Mordecai seemed pretty oblivious to it all. He calmly made his way off the ring, stopping only momentarily to say a few terse words to a very worried looking Pierce Rowan. No doubt he was apologizing. After that took his seat once more, seeming eager to see the next match.
"Will Bran Ravencroft and Mariya Bradley step into the ring for the third match?"
Mariya Bradley walked into the ring. She had a frail, almost doll-like appearance in her minute height, small face, and doe-like hazel eyes with a halo of fair hair. Yet Night had witnessed the last match with interest. Mariya used this 'innocent' visage to her advantage. Neve, a much older girl, wasn't expecting the stealthy attacks from her. Looking back at Simeon, he wondered how in the name of the Dark Lady were they related. They looked – and acted – completely different.
Bran stood out like a scarlet rose among white lilies. His dark red hair looked even redder because of the striking scarlet and black that he wore. His dark blue eyes gazed at the younger girl with the appraisal of a judge about to pronounce a verdict. He stood ready for the duel, watching Mariya very carefully.
Needless to say, it began with a bang. But, as Bran would say later, the unexpected and chaotic approach was sometimes the best way to accomplish something.
"Let the match begin!"
And resulting explosion rocked the stadium, causing some spectators to scream. Night quickly shot out an arm to steady the swaying Trina, making sure that she wouldn't go flying out of her seat. Thankfully, the fire from the blast hadn't harmed them. The shield around the ring held strong.
As the dust cleared, he saw Bran standing proudly, looking extremely pleased. Well, the explosion was an impressive display of fire magic, Night had to give him that. Looking around, he saw Mariya Bradley sprawled outside the ring boundaries. To the crowd's amazement (and satisfaction), she made it to her feet and staggered back to the ring. Mariya fixed hurt hazel eyes on her opponent, but Bran didn't seem to care much about that all. Night repressed a grin. Typical Bran.
Mariya, after trying once more to plead for sympathy from Bran, vanished. But the move didn't escape Night's eyes. She appeared right behind Bran, about to strike with a dagger of wind energy to his shoulder.
Bran, apparently, noticed the strategy as well. He moved quickly, not only evading Mariya's attempt for a quick win, while delivering a harsh punch into Mariya's stomach. She doubled over in pain and some in the crowd rose in anger. Simeon did as well, Night noticed with an unconcerned eye.
Bran, to Night's amusement, flipped the finger at the audience, clearly showing his indifferent reaction to the criticism. His mother did tell him that he watched too much American television.
Once more, Mariya tried to use a sneaky assault on Bran. She faked a right punch to his face, before quickly switching into a high kick to his temple. The wind elemental used her magic to speed up her attack, adding more force to it.
If it connected, it would've been quite painful. And could've won her the match.
But Bran quickly summoned a flame broadsword while ducking. It missed him by inches. Using the time Mariya was taking to recover from her attack, to make a spin attack. Not only was Mariya propelled back out of the ring, but the sword generated a fierce flame that hit her right after the blade did.
She was flung out of the ring. This time, she couldn't make it back to the ring, though she made a valiant effort to do so.
"And the third match goes to Bran Ravencroft! He will advance into the semi-finals!"
Fortunately, Bran was nice enough not to hold anything against Mariya just because she was related to Simeon. He helped her to the medics, if a bit roughly, and handed her over into their custody. It looked as if she was going to be out of it for a while.
Even though Bran was generally unpopular with the town, there were many loud cheers. But it seemed as if it was more for the match than the actual combatants. Bran's face was indifferent, but it did break into a grin as he neared Night and Trina.
Simeon Bradley, however, stepped in.
"How dare you hurt my sister like that?!" the boy raged. Simeon's haughty eyes were glinting with anger, but it appeared to come from wounded pride than concern. Night stood up in preparation for a fight. It wouldn't do for Bran to attack Simeon right now. He could face disqualification that way.
Bran surprised him though. "I dared because I plan to win," he said heatedly. Blue eyes met brown in equivalent dislike. "I held back a lot, you know. I could've done more damage. Be happy I didn't hold the fact that she was unfortunately related to you against her."
Simeon shut his mouth, but still was giving Bran looks of hatred.
"Will Triana Smythe and Simeon Bradley please step into the ring for the final match?"
"Kill me now," Trina proclaimed.
"C'mon," Night placated, pushing her forward. "You'll do fine."
"He has something planned, I know it!"
Bran snorted. "Then you'll have to deal with it."
The girl just glared at him before going into the ring, their aforementioned rival following soon after. He had a bad feeling about this. Simeon was a wind elemental like himself. Meaning that Trina had to get him to stay on the ground while attacking him throughout the match. It wouldn't be easy. But it could be done. Ian Harlan had done it with his gravity-inducers. Maybe Trina would be able to manage something similar.
But the bad feeling was growing worse.
"Let the match begin!"
Already the ring was filled with Simeon's laughter. Flying in the air above her, Simeon was flying in the air above Trina. His eyes were filled with delight from being out of the girl's way. Apparently, he also knew that Trina would have the advantage if he remained on the ground. But Night could already see beads of perspiration forming on Simeon's forehead. Flying was hardly an easy feat for a wind elemental. Sure, one could stay in the air for a while, but only one with a lot of power could remain flying for even short distances. Simeon obviously didn't have mentor and trainer as Zylle. When she had discovered his affinity for flying, she made very well sure that he could stay up in the air for at least three hours at a time.
Trina, a frustrated expression on her face, removed the rose from its customary place behind her ear. With a flick of a wrist, it extended into the rose whip, a flurry of rose petals flying around her. Another easy movement of her hand and the whip latched around Simeon's airborne ankle. She then brought her whip to the ground with as much force as she could muster. Gravity was probably what contributed to the fall the most, considering Trina's small size.
Simeon managed to stop himself before hitting the ground and summoned a wind sword. Its blade was large and was clearly very unwieldy. The wind elemental probably didn't know this as he awkwardly sliced through the whip.
She was repelled slightly from the sudden recoil, which Simeon used to his benefit. Managing to get behind her, he easily lifted her up from the ground. Trina, visibly panicking, began to struggle. An earth elemental did not belong in the air. Blood now ran freely from Simeon's nose from where she violently punched him. Night then winced at the girlish shriek that came from the wind elemental in the next second. Trina managed to hit…a very sensitive spot.
This was definitely what got Simeon angry. He let go of her.
When they were at least twenty feet in the air.
Trina hit the floor with a hard and sickening thud. To Night's happiness, she began to raise herself up, if staggering a bit.
But Simeon summoned a ball of electricity and threw it at her much like a Chaser throwing a Quaffle into the Keeper's hoops…
Where had that come from? What on Earth is a 'quaffle'? He tore himself from the thought back to the match. The electricity…
She screamed as the electricity ran through her body. It wrenched at his ears and at his heart. But he was helpless to do anything. And he hated being helpless.
Finally, Simeon let off the flow of electricity. Trina didn't get up. It looked as if she was unconscious, but he couldn't be sure. Her brown hair covered her face.
"And the winner of the final match is Simeon Bradley! He will advance into the semi-finals!"
The crowd was cheering wildly and in the center of the ring, Simeon Bradley was enjoying this immensely. Night did not notice this. He immediately raised himself from his seat and ran into the ring, his destination to his fallen friend. A pair of footfalls behind him signified that Bran was right behind him. Dimly, he sensed a water aura. Mordecai Freely had also joined them.
But none of them were as fast as Jonathan Smythe. Already, the earth elemental had his unconscious daughter in his arms and heading towards the medics, a frantic expression on his face. Night winced. No doubt if he were as injured as that, Zylle would be acting much in the same way. And that was something he hoped would never happen.
So, the four semi-finalists stood in the ring. Three were somber, not seeming to be listening to the cheering and tumult around them. The other was annoyingly accepting the praise as if it were only and solely for him. It was almost sickening. Professor Coulter was scowling magnificently. It appeared that she thought the same way. Zylle was giving him a meaningful look.
"This ends the second round of the Arashi-Tenku tournament! Congratulations to all semi-finalists and also to those who were defeated. The semi-finals will take place tomorrow. Same time, same place!"
"You feeling better?"
"Much better, Night." Two sighs of relief. "C'mon! It wasn't that bad…was it?"
A pregnant pause.
"Oh, you guys are certainly my pillars of support!"
"Well, you did put quite a fight."
"Don't try to redeem yourself, Bran."
"Alright, I won't. But she did hurt him badly, right?"
"He's right, Trina. And who knows? After that kick, he may not be able to have children!"
"Yes! That'd be wonderful! I can imagine the headlines…"Triana Smythe Saves Gene Pool!"
A round of appreciative laughter.
"I knew I wasn't going to win."
"You did?"
"I share your surprise, Night. This coming from the person who doesn't believe in any type of divination or fortune telling!"
"Divination had hardly anything to do with it. It was just basic instinct. Yes, well…both of you advanced. That means there's a good chance that you might face each other."
"That is true…"
"It never occurred to me."
"Typical boys."
Twin indignant male voices said, "Hey!"
"But what happens if you do face each other."
"What do expect we'll do? Beat the crap out of each other!"
"Exactly correct, Night."
"You two are impossible."
"The word 'incorrigible' is a better choice of…"
"Bran? I think you should stop before she hurts you enough to put you out of the tournament."
"Shutting up."
"But, hey, promise me this. If one of does face off against the git, beat him, alright?"
"Sure, I'd have done so anyway."
"I'm afraid that I concur with Bran there. And maybe we can get Mordecai into this."
"I guess I have nothing to worry about. If all three of you are after his blood."
"I can promise you this Trina. Whoever does face off against the jerk, will have a lot of fun putting him in his place."
"Thanks, Night…Bran! Those are my get-well chocolates from Sarah!"
"Listen 'ere, buddy. I say 't 'fore and I say 't ag'ain. I ain't seen no Death Eaters or El'mentals 'round 'ere! Now git 'fore I curse yeh!"
With those words yelled at him by a sweaty bartender, a considerably angry Sirius Black left the dingy pub called 'The Ale Glass, a fine establishment since 1632'. In his opinion, it looked as if it hadn't been 'fine' since then. The exterior of the building was brown and black from dirt and soot. From its appearance, there seemed to be layers of the grunge. A plain wooden door was barely on its rusted hinges. The glass windows were grimy and covered with grease. A brief picture of Hogwarts' potion master flashed through his head. Grease, heh. But the humor was short lived.
He figured he would find a lead here. According to the old greaseball, a lot of Death Eaters had frequented that particular place for clandestine meetings or for particularly strong drinks. Sirius had been to many bars before and undoubtedly wouldn't set foot there of his own free will. Death Eaters, for typically being high-up pampered purebloods, certainly had bad taste in places to have a good drink at.
Passing many shadowy buildings in various stages of disarray and shabbiness, he finally made it back to a regular muggle street. Ducking into the shadows, he dispelled the disguise charm he had cast on himself. It wouldn't do to have people seeing Sirius Black skulking out of a known dark wizard haunt at midnight, now would it? That would cause far too many questions, most likely being of the type that he would rather not answer. But a black-cloaked stranger would cause no raised eyebrows.
Stepping back onto the open avenue, he began to walk down the empty cobbled boulevard. Of course, he wouldn't be viewed with suspicion here. Sirius was dressed as an ordinary muggle would: dark blue jeans, a white shirt, and a long black trenchcoat to warm him in the cool night. He wondered why it was so chilly. On most nights during this time of the year, a balmy heat still hung around like a suffocating shawl over the city. But what was this chill? Pausing to look up at the sky, the rolling clouds concealed the stars that might have had the answers if he knew how to read them.
"I suppose you want the answers to your questions, do you not, Sirius Black?" The voice, lucid and with a strange lilting cadence, rang through the silence of the deep evening air much like a hammer hitting a clear bell with just the right force. Sirius' blue eyes immediately tore their gaze from the sky to look for the newcomer. It was not hard.
Where there was no one there before now stood a man, right in front of him. The similarity between himself and the stranger was incredible. The same style of clothing, the same height, the same hair color, similar shade of eyes, nearly the same facial structure, nearly everything was identical. Though the twin had shorter hair and his eyes possessed strange flecks in them, not haunted with the harshness of hardship. It was as if he were looking into a mirror of the person…he could have been.
"Well, do you want to know?" asked the doppelganger.
Sirius' eyes narrowed in distrust. "Who are you? And how do you claim to know what I need to know?"
"Little ol' me?" the twin laughed. "Everyone knows who I am. Granted they all have different views of me. It's funny, really." He paused smirking. "Every living thing will cross my path eventually, for there is no escaping me. You know most of my many names, but there is one you know that you do not yet realize is mine. Everything will become clearer soon. As for how I know, it is very simple. I am part of this little scheme as much as Voldemort or yourself are."
"That doesn't answer all of my questions," the former convict accused.
"But you haven't yet asked all your questions," the other replied smoothly. "Those are unimportant. Surely you must have more significant ones on your mind? I do have some other places to be, after all."
Sirius scowled. It felt as if this person – whoever he was – was playing with his mind. How did he know that he had more questions? Who was this guy? And why did they look so alike? He was torn with all these questions whirling through his mind, while the other merely waited patiently with an amused grin. In the end, he just resigned himself to it. Bother where it came from, he needed information. Badly at that.
"You say you know the answers," he began skeptically. A nod was the response. "What is Voldemort doing now?"
"Right now?" The twin looked slightly thoughtful. "I think he's discussing some new attack strategy with his Death Eaters and the Phantom elementals at the moment." He sniggered. "I can't believe he takes his orders from her!"
"Who is 'her'?" he asked curiously. Sirius' ears must've have been deceiving him. What this man was implying was that someone was actually using Voldemort to achieve their own needs. It was obviously a woman if he judged from the word choice. But he severely doubted that Voldemort would allow himself to be walked on by his wife. He doubted that anyone would be that monster's wife. Or girlfriend. Either way the thought of Voldemort having any sort of relationship was disgusting in his mind of minds.
"Imagining that Voldemort has a wife who kicks him around?"
"That is the most revolting thing I've ever…you mean he does?!"
"No! I doubt he could get someone even if he paid a three million galleons!"
"I completely agree. Disgusting!"
"Ghastly!"
"Nauseating!"
"Appalling!"
"Sickening!"
"Getting off that horrible horrible thought," the twin interrupted. Both their expressions mirrored expressions of revulsion at the mention of that and the gratitude towards the change of subject. "You need not know that right now," was the reply. "You're under too much surveillance by her to say. I'd be putting you at risk. And I can't do that. But you'll find out eventually."
"Elementals. Who are they?"
"Elementals are magic users who can channel the power of nature for their own purposes. They don't need wands. They like to stay away from you wizards. There are two factions. The Phantoms work for Voldemort. The other side totally opposes them." He was the recipient of a very quizzical look. "I'm surprised you haven't spoken to them yet. I mean, c'mon! You've ran into one of their most influential leaders many times already!"
He knew that woman was one! It was a very well placed assumption on the Order's part, but now it was fact. That woman with dark hair and gray eyes was a leader though? "Who is she?"
"Zylle Hawking." The doppelganger winked. "Quite the looker, huh? It's too bad that I can't make a move." He shook his head sadly. "Sisters and their plans…"
And now for the coup de gracé, the one question that if answered, he wouldn't care about anything else. "Do you know where Harry Potter is?"
"Oh yes," the other affirmed.
"Where?!" His eyes wild, he grabbed the collar of the man before him and shook him roughly. "Is he alright?! Is he hurt?! Does Voldemort have him?!
A cheerful laugh was all that greeted him. "Calm down! He's physically fine. As for mentally…"
"He's insane?!"
"Did I say 'insane'?" asked the other. "No, he isn't. But there is a problem there. Thankfully, that woman is there to help him out. Look for her. Grey Tower is the best place to start obviously." The man with the darker blue eyes glanced at the sky above him. "Humph. Hypnos is working overtime again. Well, I must be going. I've answered your questions. Now all you need to do is piece everything together."
"You didn't answer all of my questions."
"I didn't?" The man seemed mildly surprised.
"No," Sirius insisted. He now brandished his wand threateningly at his double. "Who are you?"
"Ah, that question. As I said before, I have many names."
"Yes, you mentioned that. But you said I knew a name of yours that I didn't connect with you."
A dark smile. "Think back to the past, Sirius. I believe your family has its origins at the end of the first millennium, correct?" He continued on, not waiting for an answer. "A wealthy pureblooded wizard married a beautiful witch from a small peasant village. He gave her his name, power, and money all in the name of devotion. She in return loved him and bore him children." A melodramatic sigh. "Sadly, time passes by. And the wizard disappeared from out of the blue. His wife and children carried on the family name and legacy, a family that possesses prestige even now when only one true member carries its name. Does this sound familiar to you?"
Sirius had stiffened. He had heard this story before. Of course he had. Though it was never told often. After all, his parents and relatives were rather sore about being descended from a peasant witch, no matter how beautiful she was. "What are you getting at?"
"Her name was Ariadne. That's a Greek name, you know. It means 'the most holy'," continued the twin. "She had no last name, for her family was too poor to deserve one. But that didn't matter. She received one after marrying the wizard Nathaniel Black." A harsh wind started to blow. "It was a pity I had to leave her you know," the man said cryptically. "But I can't escape my duties, now can I?"
"What?!" Sirius had to move his arms to shield his face from the now buffeting gusts. What was this?! It was if there was a tornado or hurricane of some kind just in this concentrated area! From what little he could see of the familiar stranger, he seemed to be unperturbed by this. His blue eyes widened: the other was leaning against a wicked looking scythe. Its edge seemed to be made of some eerily green light. Light similar to that of the Avada Kedavra. But Sirius unconsciously knew that death from the scythe to the Killing Curse was like comparing the Cruciatus with the Disarming Spell. There was no question about which would be worse.
"You may know me as 'Nathaniel Black', your ancestor from generations past. But, my amusing little descendant, others know me very differently. They either live and accept the inevitability that I will come eventually, embrace the oblivion that I bring, ignore my presence and blind themselves to it, or they fear and hate me with every fiber of their being. I am the reaper of souls ready to be harvested."
With a flash of silver light, Nathaniel Black had disappeared. Sirius removed his arms, staring in apparent shock. The remnants of wind whispered into Sirius' ears a message that ran cold through his veins. Do you really fear me, young one? The answer to your question…I am Thanatos. You know me as "Death".
***