Disclaimer: I do not own Magic: The Gathering
CHAPTER 29-Longest chapter ever
As Numa fell to the ground, the Keeper of White Mana's body began to glow as Numa's mana was transferred to him. He closed his eyes as he absorbed it, sighing with pleasure at the rush of power. When it was over, Aki peered out from the crate where she'd been hiding during the duel.
"Charles-san!" she said, running over to Arrathir's limp body "Is Arrathir-kun all right?"
Chiburuu untied Arrathir and gently set him down on the concrete floor.
;What's wrong with him?;
;The mana bind Numa had him in was probably sapping his power. Numa's defeat released the bind, but Arrathir's mana didn't start replenishing itself. He is very weak.;
"Chihowaido," said Chiburuu "Can you perform a healing spell on him? Hey! I'm speaking to you!"
The Keeper of White Mana blinked, confused. "My name…yes, it is."
"Come on!" said Chiburuu, getting impatient.
"Why should I help the ghell scum?" said Chihowaido "Now's the best time to kill him and cease his reign of terror."
"Not this again!" said Chiburuu "Look, Chikuro's not back to take over the Multiverse or anything! He genuinely wants to awaken the Keepers to help the Multiverse!"
"Is that what he told you?" asked Chihowaido "And why should I believe you, traitor?"
"You're impossible!' said Chiburuu "After all this time, you still bear grudges?"
"Scum will always be scum," said Chihowaido.
"Speaking of scum, has your host accepted you, or did you just take over when he was weak?"
"I save your life and this is the thanks I get?" said the Keeper of White Mana "Next time, you're on your own." Chihowaido retreated into his Soul Room, relinquishing control to Erik.
"What happened?" asked Erik when he'd resumed control.
"You fainted from over exhaustion," said Chiburuu "And your spirit saved us, again."
"He took over my body again?"
"Erik, now's not the time! Arrathir is badly hurt. Can you heal him?"
"I'll try," said Erik.
"Do or do not…there is no try," said Chiburuu "Sorry, couldn't resist." He added.
Erik rolled his eyes and extended his hand over Arrathir's body. His hand glowered white and Arrathir's eyed opened.
"Have you accepted him ye-OOF!" Arrathir was cut off, once again, by a glomp from an ecstatic Aki.
"Arrathir-kun!" she said "You're all right!"
"If you squeeze him any tighter, Aki, you may break a few ribs," said Charles.
"Gomen!" said Aki, releasing Arrathir.
"How are you?" asked Charles.
"Well, I feel like shit, and I probably have a few broken ribs," said the Keeper of Mana "But other than that, never been better. So, you guys beat Numa, eh?"
"Yes, Erik did," said Charles.
Erik? But I thought he could barely summon!
Before we passed out, Erik was out cold. I guess Chihowaido took over again.
Is that the Keeper's name?
Yes. This means Erik is getting closer to accepting the spirit.
Wait! If the Keeper beat Numa, does that mean Erik's power will increase?
Yes, and therefore so will the power of the Keepers.
So this is how I save her…
Who? Eva?
"Charles," said Arrathir "Can Chiburuu manipulate time?"
"Yes, why?"
"You remember the day Eva died I refused to tell you where her body went? That's because I took it."
"Where?"
"Back to now," said Arrathir "I'm going back in time to tell myself how to save Eva, and then I'm bringing her back here."
"How do you know all this?"
"Because I told, or rather, will tell my past self. By telling myself there's a chance to save Eva, I launch the sequence of events that have occurred in the past days."
"Time travel is not an easy task," said Chiburuu, coming out in spirit form "How do you know this will work?"
"It already has," said Arrathir "If I didn't go back, everything would have turned out differently. I need you to send me back to the day Eva died."
"What are you talking about?" asked Aki "Who's Eva?"
"Aki," said Arrathir "Eva was my friend. Numa killed her the same day we met. Since Erik possesses the power to bring people back to life, I am going to return to the past to bring her body back here so he can revive her."
"And what makes you think I'll go along with this plan?" said Erik "Was this what you had planned all along? To put me in this situation?"
"I had no part in this," said Charles.
"Did you have this planned all along?" Erik asked Arrathir "Including you getting captured so I would be forced to mana summon, thereby accepting I had supernatural powers? Was this your plan to try and get me to accept my so-called 'destiny?' Well?"
"I had no idea what I was doing," said Arrathir "All I told myself was there was a way to save Eva, that's it. I couldn't tell myself more or the precise chain of events wouldn't have occurred."
"Why do you want to bring her back?" asked Erik "Do you love her or something?"
"She died because of me!" said Arrathir.
"So your conscience was bothering you," said Erik "And you thought you'd mess up everybody's lives for your own selfish purpose?"
Arrathir opened his mouth to say something, but he was speechless.
"So what was I?" said Aki, tears forming in her eyes "You girlfriend's replacement? You used me! I thought I meant something to you, but it was all an act! How could you do this? I used to have feeling for you, but now I hate you!"
Aki slapped Arrathir across the face before running away crying. Arrathir just stood there, stunned. Aki's words had as much impact as the slap.
She's right. I never even took her feelings for me into consideration.
Some how, 'I told you so' doesn't quite seem sufficient. Now, go after her.
What?
You made a mistake and now you have to pay the piper. Go apologize. (A/N: To "pay the piper" is an expression that means to accept the consequences of one's actions)
But…
NOW!
"Aki!" Arrathir yelled, taking off after the girl. He caught up with her outside the warehouse.
"Go away!" she cried "I don't know you!"
"We need to talk!' said Arrathir, grabbing her arm.
"Let me go!" she screamed, putting her hand in her pocket and retrieving a small red aerosol "I'll Mace you!"
"OK, OK," said Arrathir, releasing her "Just hear me out, please."
"Fine," said Aki, still holding the Mace at arm's length to keep Arrathir away from her.
"Aki, I like you, but more of as a friend. You really helped me get over my grief of loosing Eva."
"Well, if you knew how to save her, why were you crying?" asked Aki.
"I was afraid," said Arrathir "I knew I could save her, but I didn't know how. I was afraid if I didn't do the exact right things I would loose her forever."
"Do you love her?"
"Yes," said Arrathir "Why else would I be so intent on saving her? Every day since she died, I want to se her again. When I'm with her, I feel as if everything's perfect. I want to pause time so I can feel that way forever. I'm sorry, Aki. I should have told you the truth. I didn't want to hurt you, but that kind of backfired."
"Arrathir-kun," said Aki, fresh tears welling up in her eyes "I can't help how I feel about you, but I don't want to interfere. We're from different worlds you and I. You have your power, but I'm just normal. We don't belong together."
"But you're the Keeper of Red Mana!" said Arrathir.
"No," said Aki "I'm not the person you're looking for. I'm sorry, Arrathir-kun, I'm just me."
"That was a very moving speech," said Charles from behind Arrathir.
"What? How long have you been standing there?" said Arrathir, turning around.
"Long enough," said Charles. Arrathir turned again to see Aki trying to stifle her laughter.
"Come on, Arrathir-kun," she said, seeing his furious face "It was just a bit of fun. When I saw Charles-san standing behind you, the opportunity was too good to miss. I still meant what I said. I'm not the Keeper of Red Mana. I just know it."
"So, what now?" asked Arrathir, embarrassed.
"Well, Charles-san, I wish to have my memories erased. I will return to my normal life."
"You want to forget me?" asked Arrathir.
"I don't want to slow you down," said Aki "Charles-san explained everything about the Keepers to me again and I think it is best if I leave. I wouldn't be of any help, not being able to summon and all."
"Aki, why are you doing this?"
"Because I love you, Arrathir-chan," said Aki "And I want you to be happy, even if it means me forgetting you." She gave Arrathir a quick peck on the cheek, leaving the Keeper of Black Mana blushing and confused. "Charles-san, I am ready."
"I will not hurt," said Chiburuu, taking over "You will not remember any of the events that happened from the time before you met Arrathir to now."
"Aki," said Arrathir "Thank-you. Thanks for doing this for me. I'll miss you."
"Just don't forget me," said Aki.
"Never."
"Sayonara, Arrathir-chan," said Aki, a sad smile on her face. Chiburuu raised his hand and her eyes went blank. After a few seconds, she blinked and looked confusedly about.
"Hello," she said "Who are you?"
"Don't worry," said Chiburuu "We were lost and you were simply giving us directions."
"Oh, yes," said Aki "Well, I must get going then. Sayonara."
"You OK?" Chiburuu asked Arrathir as he watched Aki walk away.
"Yeah," said Arrathir "I still can't believe I was wrong about her. I was so sure she was the Keeper of Red Mana!"
"Has Chikuro said 'I told you so' yet?"
"You mean just once, or over and over?" asked Arrathir "That was really noble what she did."
"She must have really loved you if she realized the only way to show her love was to let you go."
"Yeah, I'm gonna miss her," said Arrathir "Even though I barely knew her, she was special."
"Back to the subject at hand," said Chiburuu "Getting Erik to go along with your plan."
"I'm not," said Erik immediately.
"After all you've been through, you still don't believe you are the Keeper of White Mana?" asked Arrathir.
"I may be able to summon as well as having an ancient spirit inside me," said Erik "But that does not mean I have to along with it."
"You stubborn idiot!" yelled Arrathir, lashing out and punching Erik in the jaw. Erik fell to the ground, more from shock than from the impact on the punch. "Open your eyes!" shouted Arrathir, standing over him "We're in the middle of a battle! There some freaks that want us dead! I don't know why, but unless we stick together, they'll succeed! You think the Slivers or the goblins were bad? Think again! We've been lucky to have been facing relatively basic decks. Be glad we haven't faced a Rafinnity deck or something!"
"But rafinnity's been shut down ever since they banned artifact lands and Disciple of the Vault," said Erik.
"Do you think our enemies care? They'll do anything to get us. They won't stop until we find out who's behind this and stop them! The only way that'll happen is when you pull your head out of your ass and stop thinking only about yourself!"
"Yeah? We'll you're one to talk!" shouted Erik "This who mess was brought about because you wanted to save your little girlfriend and dragged us all into it!"
"I didn't drag anyone!" protested Arrathir "Maybe if you had listened to me and accepted the fucking Keeper, none of this would have happened!"
"I'm afraid you have no choice," said Chiburuu "We're in this together, like it or not."
"You know what?" said Erik "Screw you guys, I'm going home." Erik jumped into his car and drove off.
Lucky.
What are you talking about? I need him for my plan!
No, I mean lucky that you got to hit him. Do you know how long I've wanted to do that?
"He'll be back," said Chiburuu, as if he had read Arrathir's thoughts.
"How do you know?"
"I dropped the illusion on his beak," said Chiburuu with an evil grin.
"I say we see him again in ten minutes," said Arrathir.
"Five."
"Done."
"He does have a point though," said Charles, Chiburuu remaining in spirit form "Without realizing it, you've been using us for your purpose."
"Well, excuse me," said Arrathir "But after all I've done, aren't I entitled to a bit of selfishness?"
"At least you've got the right attitude for your mana color," muttered Chiburuu "Look, I know seeing Eva die must have been horrible. I can't even begin to fathom how you must feel. However, this does not give you the right to go around screwing with people's lives."
"I would of has to awaken you anyways," said Arrathir.
Just then, an extremely peeved Erik, complete with Aven beak, screeched to a halt beside them.
"What did I tell you?' said Charles "Not even three minutes."
"We had a deal!" said Erik, getting out of his car.
"The deal was only that I would cast the illusion if you helped me," said Chiburuu "You'd think a businessman like you would want to know the fine print."
"What's the big deal about being a Keeper anyways?" asked Arrathir "Why do you persist in refusing the fact?"
"Because it's not normal!"
"That's the point," said Charles "In a world where everyone is 'normal,' we are different, special."
"But I never wanted this!" said Erik.
"Do you think any of us did?' said Arrathir "I just liked Magic: The Gathering. I had to go through death to awaken Chikuro, and let me tell you: death is not a pleasant experience. Then, when I was revived, it still wasn't over. The first time I met him, Chikuro beat the shit out of me. Don't you think that I would rather have not gone through all this?"
"I was just sort of thrust into this," said Charles.
"And instead of bitching about it, we've accepted the fact and moved on from there," said Arrathir "I can't force you to accept your Keeper, Erik. Just help me out this one last time and I promise we'll leave you alone."
"For some reason, that doesn't seem to be possible," said Erik "When trouble finds you, it finds me too."
"What are you afraid of?' asked Charles "Would being a Keeper of Mana really be so bad? To have an army of creatures and spells at your fingertips doesn't sound appealing?"
"It's him," said Erik "The Keeper. He's so power hungry and paranoid. The worst part is, I know he's a part of me. I'm afraid I'll become him."
"Soooo, you're afraid of yourself?" asked Arrathir.
"Yes."
Arrathir snickered and excused himself to calm down, leaving Charles and Erik alone.
"What happens if I accept him?" said Erik "Will I become him?"
"As you said Chihowaido," started Charles as Erik cringed imperceptibly "You should get used to saying his name. If you can't say his name, you'll only fear him more. He is a part of you, but it's a simple matter of balance. Think of it in terms of yin and yang. Do you know what that is?"
"Yeah, it's a symbol representing light and dark," said Erik "It plays an important part in Taoism."
"Exactly," said Charles "But there's more to it. It is also a concept. Yin represents darkness while yang is light. These two opposing forces are said to be present in all things in the universe. So you would be the yang while the Keeper is your yin, your darker, more foreboding side. Now, while they are opposites, yin and yang are interdependent, that is to say, one cannot exist without the other. Therefore, Chihowaido and yourself need each other to survive. That explains why you had so much trouble summoning. As well, the two dots represent that there is always a part of yin in yang and so on."
"Look, I've just come to grips with my ability to summon," said Erik "Let me get used to the idea of sharing my soul with an ancient spirit."
Charles face-fell. "You mean you still want to think about it? After all the time you've had?"
"What I meant," said Erik "Is can I go along with Arrathir's plan without accepting him?"
"What does he think of all this?"
"I don't know," said Erik "He hasn't spoken to me since I agreed to help you."
"Well, I suppose it could work," said Charles "But this make sit a lot harder. Since the spirit won't be channeling mana for you, you'll have to do it yourself. I mean, we're talking about bringing the dead back to life here."
"I know I can do it," said Erik "I'm a Planeswalker, aren't I?"
"Took you long enough!" said Arrathir "So what did I miss?"
"Well, Erik has agreed to go along with your plan."
"Who are you, what have you done with Erik, and how long are you staying?" asked Arrathir.
"Well, I figure since I have these powers, why not use them?" said Erik "But you owe me big, Quinn."
"Fine," said Arrathir "Whatever you say, and, Erik? Thanks."
Erik merely grunted in response.
"So why did we have to come back here?" asked Arrathir. The three of them were in the basement of the now-vacant arena that had housed the convention a few day ago. They were standing in the fated room where Charles and Arrathir had dueled Numa for the first time.
"I told you already," said Chiburuu "For this to work, we have to be at the spot where you want to end up. Now, you know the rules. You know what you are risking. Altering time is a complex and unpredictable procedure. If something goes wrong, I can't help you."
"Right," said Arrathir "Let's do this."
"You have ten minutes," said Chiburuu "After this, the time rift will close."
"Plenty of time," said Arrathir.
Chiburuu closed his eyes and gathered his mana. Time around Arrathir seemed to stop and then reverse. He saw Chiburuu, Erik, and himself walking backwards out of the room, as if he were watching a movie in rewind. Then he saw himself again, this time he was crying over Eva's lifeless body. Time slowed down again and then resumed its normal course. Arrathir could hear his past self's muffled sobs as he cried into Eva's shoulder. Behind him was a shimmering blue line that pulsated gently. He supposed it was the time rift Chiburuu must have opened.
Deja-frickin'-vu. This is gonna be weird.
He coughed to indicate his presence. When his past self did not react, he did it again, a bit louder. The past Arrathir looked up.
"Who's there?" he said.
"I am," said Arrathir "Stepping out of the shadows."
Man, did I really make that face?
I wouldn't know. I was talking to Charles outside.
"You're…you're…" said the past Arrathir, obviously at a loss for words.
"You?" said Arrathir.
This is so weird. I already know what to say.
"You're thinking it's a trick?" said Arrathir, seeing his past self.
"How did you know?"
"Because I'm you, from the future. Everything you say and I say I've already said and heard. Look, I'm here to tell you there's a way you can save Eva."
"What?" said the past Arrathir "Tell me how!"
"I can't," said Arrathir "It's one of those things about time travel. I can't tell you how to save her, only that there is a way."
"How does that help me?" said the past Arrathir.
"You'll find out," said Arrathir "Look," he added, raising a hand to halt his past self's protests. "I know what you're thinking, but all I can tell you is there is hope to save Eva. I wish I could say more, really, but I can't. Just trust me on this."
"You promise?" said the past Arrathir "How do I know this isn't just a trick. If you're really me, what number am I thinking of right now?"
"Forty-two," said Arrathir.
"Fine," said the past Arrathir "What do we do with Eva's body? If someone finds it…"
"They won't," said Arrathir "I'm taking her with me."
"So if Chikuro asks me where the body went, what do I tell him?"
"Nothing," said Arrathir "He'll understand. Now, be strong. You will save Eva."
"Thanks," said the past Arrathir.
"See you in the future," said Arrathir, grabbing Eva's body and pulling her through the time rift. This time, everything went forwards until he found himself back in the room with Chiburuu and Erik.
"Did it work?" Chiburuu asked.
"Well, it must have, or you guys wouldn't be here," said Arrathir "Erik, are you ready?"
"Yeah," said Erik "Charles gave me a quick rundown while you were gone."
Erik closed his eyes. Ever since he had learned the world of Magic was real and he was the reincarnation of the Keeper of White Mana, he had tried his best to reject his powers. The recent duel had shown him the consequences of his actions. He didn't know if it was due to his acceptance of him being able to mana summon or if it was the mana he had absorbed from Numa, but he suddenly felt confident.
I can do this.
Erik focused, feeling the mana flow through him. The feeling he had once abhorred now filled him with power. He reached out with his mind, gathering the necessary mana for his spell. As his mind brushed past Eva's body, he shuddered. Her body felt cold and devoid of mana. Gathering his mana, he exhaled deeply, a fine golden powder leaving his lips as he did. The golden dust hung in the air for a moment before gently floating down to rest on Eva's body. Eva was now covered in a glittering coat of dust, like a shining carapace. The dust started to swirl and move about Eva's body. Two fine streams entered her nostrils while another one entered her mouth. The rest seemed to get absorbed by her skin. When all the dust had disappeared, everyone held their breath. Then, Arrathir's heart leapt as he picked up the first traces of Eva's mana returning to her body.
"She's back!" he said, kneeling and holding her. Touching her neck, he detected a faint pulse that was growing stronger. Soon, she was breathing steadily. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked confusedly about.
"Arrathir?" she said "What happened?"
Arrathir's only response was to embrace Eva in a warm hug. At first, she was shocked, but then accepted Arrathir's embrace.
"Long story," said Arrathir "But in the process, I did find the Keeper of Blue Mana."
"Hey," said Charles.
"Isn't that the guy who beat you?" asked Eva "And what's…" Eva stared at Erik before breaking down laughing. "Oh! This is better then I expected!" she said once she'd calmed down.
"Well played, Arrathir, Charles, and especially you, Erik," said a voice. They all turned to see none other than Lu Chao standing behind them.
"Planeswalker," said Chikuro, coming out in spirit form.
"Still holding in there?" asked Lu Chao "Your progress noteworthy. Two Keepers discovered and one awakened."
"Who's that guy?" Eva asked Arrathir.
"Lu Chao. The Planeswalker who started this whole thing."
"Well now," said Lu Chao "That's three Keepers down and two to go."
"Planeswalker," said Chikuro "You're no doubt aware of the two other Planeswalkers who have been coming after us to stop the Awakening. Why haven't you done something to help us, oh mighty one?"
"You handled them quite well," said Lu Chao, ignoring the sarcasm.
"Excuse me?" said Chikuro "My host nearly rejected me because of this!"
"I am a Planeswalker," said Lu Chao "This does not give me the authority to step into other people's business. This fight belongs to you."
"What if one of us were killed?" asked Charles "Then the Awakening would fail."
"I highly doubt it," said Lu Chao "I trust you will be able to defeat anyone who stands in your way. With every Keeper you awaken, the power of the Keepers grows."
"Why is someone trying to stop the Awakening?" asked Arrathir.
"The one you speak of is a powerful Planeswalker," said Lu Chao "He fears the Awakening will cause a shift in the flow of mana through the Multiverse, resulting in a loss of his power."
"Well, why don't you stop him?" asked Chikuro "Stop putting us in danger."
"Don't worry," said Lu Chao "By the time the Keepers are Awakened, he will be no match for your power. Now we must go."
"Where?"
"The final two Keepers of Mana do not reside on this Plane. You must travel to Dominaria to awaken the remaining two Keepers of Mana."
"Well, I'm not going," said Erik "Quinn, we agreed that if I helped you, you would leave me out of this."
"Sorry, Mr. Morlock," said Lu Chao "You do not have a choice. We leave immediately."
Before anyone could react, they were plunged into a starry void. Suddenly, they were surrounded by all of creation; an endless plane of galaxies, planets, stars, and nebulas. It made one feel very piddling and insignificant when you saw just how large the Multiverse was and how small you were. They remained in awe as the void around them shifted, revolving around them. Arrathir felt an intense pressure on his temples and winced in pain as it increased. The others must have felt it too, because he felt Eva's hand slip into his and squeeze hard, as if to suppress the pain she must have been feeling. Arrathir was starting to feel nauseous and thought he might black out. Then, with a sudden jolt, they were standing on solid ground once again.
Arrathir looked around, trying to get his bearings, but the intense feeling in his stomach was too much and he leaned over, regurgitating his breakfast. As he stood up, wiping the bile from his mouth, he saw they were in the middle of a forest.
"Everyone OK?" asked Charles.
"That was Planeswalking?" said Erik "Remind me never to do that again. Congratulations, Quinn. It seems you have succeeded in pulling me into your little quest."
"Where are we?" asked Eva.
"Well," said Charles "If we are in Dominaria, my guess would be we're in Yavimaya."
"But where…" Arrathir was cut off as, with a thunderous roar, a Tunneler Wurm burs from the ground in front of them.
To be continued…
Author's Note: There you go! An extra-long chapter to hold you guys over while I wait to get my Internet access in Chile. Enjoy! Oh yes, for those waiting for Chapter 30, and Khell to reappear in all his glory, tough luck. What I said was to look for Khell AROUND Chapter 30, not that he would be IN it. Sorry to disappoint, but Khell will return, oh yes, he will return.
Igor: Hey, your prediction came true! I'm evil! SAY IT! EVILLLLLLL!
SeraphSong: Hey, I never said a thing about your reviews! Guys, give him a break! If he likes writing the like he does, so be it. Still doesn't mean I understand all of them though.
ROwned: Yep. Chapter 28 was the first to feature neither Arrathir nor Chikuro.
Mega: Fuck the arrows, man. I'd get you with shuriken! Followed by a couple of nukes and finish you off by hijacking the Death Star, putting you on Europe (One Jupiter's moons, not the continent) and blowing it up.
Techno: Next time, Gadget…
John: Hey, what can I say? WoG's a classic.
YM: Yeah, well, Chihowaido's got issues.
Demon: That sucks, man.
Igor, take 2: Oh come ON! Ninjas are SO much cooler than pirates! Ninjas have ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu as well as cool weapons. I mean, what would you rather wield: a sword or shuriken and kunai knives? Plus, pirates are mostly drunken oafs who can't even swim (historical fact: Most pirates couldn't swim.) And, for the final piece of evidence: Naruto could own Monkey D. Luffy in a fight.