A/N: Sorry for the lack of updates of late – mixture of work, writer's block and brand new xbox game :p But updates should be fairly regular from now on (hopefully) so I hope everyone enjoys the update…some of the mysteries will be answered!
Immortal Destiny
Chapter 10 – Consequences
Will watched his mentor leave for Avalon with a heavy heart. He was the last of the Old Ones, the Watchman, and already he was feeling the burden and loneliness of that existence. Turning, he saw Bran and the others begin their journey back to their own time.
Will sighed; he knew when the mists parted they would not longer remember the adventure they had all shared – or Will's true nature. Merriman's spell would take care of that and only another Old One could hope to break the memory block. But there were no Old One's left, and Will knew that while he would be tempted, he could never betray the trust of his people.
The Old One started down the hill when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning, he was surprised to see King Arthur, the Pendragon, and High Lord of the High Magic.
"My lord," Will said, bowing, and looked at the High Lord questionably. Arthur took Erias – the Sword of the Light – and held it out to Will. He took it hesitantly, a question in his eyes.
"You are no longer the Signseeker but the Signkeeper – even though you're quest is done and the Signs have been used for the purpose they were created, they still hold great power. As does Erias, which is why I wish for you to be the keeper of it as well."
Will frowned.
"It may be the Sword of the Light, created by the order of and for the Light, but it was meant only to handled by the Pendragon. Bran is no longer the Pendragon; he has given up his heritage from the past for a new one of the future – which is as it should be."
"That is true – but his children have not rejected the legacy."
The Old One looked at the Pendragon sharply. The lord's face remained neutral, giving nothing away as to his thoughts.
The sword lifted on its own before Will -- who stared at it in aw. It grew brighter and brighter until all it was, was a beacon of light. It moved towards Will quickly and the Old One felt his chest grow warm. The pain increased and just when he felt it would be too much for him, the pain abruptly left and the sword was gone.
No, not gone, Will thought, gingerly touching his chest.
"I hope you never have need of Erias, Old One."
Arthur's words brought Will out of his reverie.
"Just as the time of the Light and Dark is over – so is that of the Pendragon."
Will Davies, the Pendragon, sat by his friend's bed – watching over him carefully as he slept. It had been a week since Will had given Davies Erias – still having not awakened from the sleep that engulfed him after he collapsed.
Harry and Davies had been released a few days after the incident, neither of the boys suffering from serious injuries. Except those to the heart and the mind.
Harry would disappear for hours, or else was with Professor Moody. Hermione and Ron said that he was learning a spell to defend himself against the Dementors. Davies knew that Harry had been having nightmares caused by the Dementors, having woken up Davies on a number of occasions during their stay at the infirmary. Davies shuddered whenever he thought about how close the Dementors had come to killing them. They would have succeeded if it wasn't for Will…
Davies looked at the sword hanging on his hip – visible only to him.
What did Will do? Davies wondered, not for the first time.
A small cough drew Davies attention away from Will and he was started to see that it was his father. Bran Davies had been gone most of the week – the disappearance of Sirius Black taking precedence over everything else.
Even the reappearance of a long dead friend.
"Da, what are you doing here?" he asked, surprised to see his father. They hadn't had a moment to talk about…everything…since Bran had to work, and Davies had spent most of his time sleeping to recover his strength.
Bran Davie smiled at his son, and walked slowly towards the bed. Gently, the man brushed a hair from his friend's face.
"There's nothing more I can do now except wait for Sirius Black to show himself. I figured it didn't matter where I waited, so why not here?" Bran replied, his eyes never leaving Will.
"Da, is that really Will….I mean, your Will."
"Yes." There wasn't a second hesitation in his reply.
"But how do you know?" Davies asked desperately, trying to make sense out of recent events. And he didn't know what he wanted to be true anymore.
"I could tell by his eyes, when he gave you that sword. Will always looked content and calm, but underneath the surface there was a great sadness in his eyes – as if he had a great burden he couldn't forsake."
"You have come to a decision, Will?"
"Yes, I have."
Will turned from his comrades and began the long trip back to Earth. As the mists covered him completely, he sensed another's presence. Spinning quickly, the Old One was shocked to see King Arthur once more.
"My lord," he said, nodding his head slightly. The other returned the courtesy, acknowledging that they were now equals.
"You have decided to wake the Pendragon, then, young Will," Arthur stated, rather than questioned. The Old One nodded, knowing the High Lord needed no verbal confirmation – rather, merely acknowledging he had heard the statement.
"Will Davies may never forgive you for what you will do. The World of Man is just that – to be saved or destroyed by Man alone. The time of the battle between the Light and Dark is over, as I have said before."
"Yes, but the Dark has a found a channel for their powers, even across Space and Time…I must do everything to stop it."
"Da, before I got the sword from Will…he did something else too…" Davies started slowly, not making eye contact with his dad. "When we were in the forest and we were attacked by the Dementors…Will did some kind of spell."
Davies looked up at his dad with tears in his eyes.
"That's why he was hurt! He didn't protect himself because he was too busy helping Harry and me."
"How exactly did the spell help you?" Bran asked quietly, sitting down with his son and putting an arm around the young boy's shoulders.
"It was like, I suddenly filled with this energy…and I knew how to protect myself…and suddenly this blue dragon appeared and destroyed the Dementors. It felt like…like…coming home."
Arthur regarded Will silently for a moment, then sighed heavily.
"Yes, that is the way of the Light and of the High Magic. What must be done -- must be done no matter the cost – and often the doing what is right is rewarded with pain. The High Magic is not at the service of the Light – even now, that cannot be changed. Even though you are doing your duty, to call forth High Magic will demand a price of you."
"I know," the Old One answered firmly, calmly accepting the reality for what it was. "And because I know of it, I can accept it. That is the real horror of what I must do to Will Davies. Because I will not risk the asking, for fear he might refuse."
Arthur nodded.
"When will you tell him?"
"After the final battle – after everything is said and done."
"What if he refuses?"
The two powerful figures looked into each other eyes, sharing the knowledge of what was to come, and how much suffering it would cause. Will broke the shared gaze and turned his head towards where he perceived Avalon to be.
"Living in Avalon is not a prison; he will accept…eventually."
A slight movement from the bed startled the two Davies. Realizing that Will was waking up, Davies hurried to grab Pompey. Bran stayed by his friend's side, holding his hand, and waited.
Will slowly awakened, letting his senses explore outwards. He knew who held his hand; he felt the Pendragon and Pompey enter the room; recognized the two glowing points of power coming towards him – Dumbledore and Harry.
Slowly opening his eyes, he looked into the worried one's of his – former? – best friend
"Hallo, dewin."
The Old One smiled at that gentle greeting, taking a moment to bask in his friend's happiness at his return – he knew he would have few moments of peace from now on.
His attention was drawn back to Davies as he came, dragging Pompey behind him. Will's eyes were drawn to the sword hanging at the boy's hip, and Davies followed the look, realizing that Will could see the sword though no one else could. Even Dumbledore and Harry.
"Thanks for the neat sword, Will," Davis said cheekily, and the Old One chuckled at how like his dad the young boy was.
Pompey muttered and fretted but Will was completely healed, as was the purpose of the healing sleep. Dumbledore and Harry walked into the room unnoticed, except by Will, of course. Harry finally could no longer restrain himself and went flying at his friend – pulling him into a big hug to Pompey's dismay.
"I am glad you are feeling better, Will Stanton."
Harry felt Will tense in the hug, before the Old One gently disentangled himself from his friend. For the first time, the Old One returned the gaze of the Headmaster. Dumbledore had known Will was powerful, but was shocked by the intensity of the gaze. The boys looked at their friend, surprised though they had suspected that Will was more than he seemed. Bran frowned as he tried to reconcile the various images of Will in his mind. Though the look on Will's face brought a feeling of recognition – nostalgia – but it was gone before Bran could place it.
"That I am, Albus Dumbledore. I thank you for your concern."
TBC
Lyapunov – wow, I'm so glad that this story made your day. I'm glad that everyone thinks I'm capturing Will's character, because I admire Susan Cooper so much and I want to do her work justice.
Lady Tigress – for my safety, I promise you I will finish this. It may take a while, since I really don't have a firm plotline in my head (absolutely no ending), I'm just going with what feels right. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Dark Countess1 – Yeah, I realized too late that I hadn't really developed Will Davies' character as much as I would have liked, but there should be more development as the story progresses.
Aquilastor – Glad you like the crossover! I couldn't find many good DiRS crossovers (with anything) so I thought I'd give it a go. It's turning out better than I thought it would.
Starr Light1 – As I hope you caught in the chapter, Will can release the memory block, but will he choose to? There's a lot to lose either way…
Lembas7 – well, I hope some of your questions have been answered with the chapter! Still more to come :P As you noticed, I didn't get you to beta this chapter mainly because I was so late in updating I thought I should just post it. Got your email address, so expect the next chapter inside of a week.
Icepyro – Thanks for reviewing every chapter :P I'm glad you took the time to do so – and as much as I love your [fav thing] I love evil cliffhangers --- they bring me amusement.
Ruth – Well, some things have been explained – but I'm afraid what Will will have to sacrifice is going to be left as a mystery for a little bit longer.
Obdormio – Hope that chapter all of your questions. Even though the High Magic is basically in charge, it must abide by its own rules, because that is its nature.
Bluie Twilight Star – I hope you got a kick out of everyone's reactions, just like I did!