Author's Note: Whoa, wasn't that last chapter something special? It's time to get back to the main story, but first allow me to answer a question:
"Hey it might be late to ask this but can there be an option for Ted x Akko if it's to late for that then Ted x sucy but still just sending a idea."
Yeah totally, your suggestions do matter. Oh, and did I sense a bit of hesitation in that question? I think I did. Please, none of you, never feel like you have to hesitate when leaving a comment. I'm not this guy: "Please write your criticism in the comments. But if you're a hater then don't write anything! It's my story, if you don't like, don't read!"
I'm the kind of guy who doesn't mind what you leave. It could literally be the text equivalent of you screaming into a microphone, and I'll still like it. If you see something you don't like, tell me. This is a free speech zone.
Also, isn't it crazy that when I post chapters about Samhain, Trigger posts LWA episodes about Samhain?
The vat of brew in the middle of my room suddenly begins to bubble violently. Steam rises, as green foam overflows from the cauldron, creating a mess on my carpet.
This isn't supposed to happen.
Concerned, I reread the instructions from 'Forbidden Rites'.
The words are difficult to read thanks to my only sources of light being the moon pouring into my window, and candles.
I know it's traditional, but why can't we have a lamp in our dorms?
As I read through the passage, I recognize my mistake.
I misread sodium oxide for sodium oxalate.
Oh, I pity me.
I look at my clock realizing the time: 2:32 A.M.
Yup, six hours wasted.
Sighing to myself, I point my wand at the cauldron.
With a simple levitation spell, the vat floats towards my window. With a flick of the wrist, the whole failed fluid is thrown over the side.
Oh well, time to start this all over again, for the second time.
After what happened at the café, I was understandably a bit depressed. A destroyed friendship can do that. No Lotte equals no Samhain.
If she won't believe my own words, then perhaps she'll believe her own eyes.
Thanks to this book that Diana recommended to me, I now have highly detailed instructions on conjuring the dead.
Lotte makes it look so easy, but that's because she's summoning anyone who wants to talk. Conjuring one particular spirit from the vastness of the underworld is much more of a challenge.
If I can manage to summon her dad, even if for a short time, all will be well again.
Cooper's wish will be granted, Lotte will be happy again, and I can finally get back to my studies. I can't return my family to our former glories if I'm busy dealing with another, now can I?
I look back at the cauldron, and the numerous ingredients strewn and spilled about the table.
Well, this isn't going to fix itself.
Back to it.
Standing in front of Theodore's dorm door, millions of thoughts swirl around in my head. Today is Samhain, so it's only natural that he's as busy as can be. However, I haven't heard from him since yesterday, and I'm beginning to worry.
But why?
Theodore so far has proven to be a quite competent wizard, despite his limited experience pre-enrollment.
He was approved by the principal, becoming the first male student in Luna Nova's history, and yet I worry.
I'm sure that whatever he's dealing with, he can handle on his own. However, a friend's helping hand can never hurt.
I lightly tap the door with the back of my hand, signaling my arrival.
When I receive no response, I try again, this time a bit harder.
I hear a few heavy footsteps coming from the other side of the door.
After the clicking of a few locks, the door opens just a crack.
"Who is it?" An almost deadly exhausted voice asks.
"You're supposed to ask that before you open the door."
The door opens all the way.
Theodore is standing there.
Well, it's more of a slouch than a stand. The bags under his eyes have only grown more noticeable, becoming black and heavy. He looks at me with sunken in, bloodshot eyes.
While his appearance is poor at best, that hasn't stopped him from smiling at me. It's not one of those fake, plastered on smiles.
It's a genuine smile, happy to see me.
"Ah Diana, just the person I wanted to see! Please, come in, come in!"
It doesn't matter whether I want to, or not, as he puts an arm around me, pushing me inside.
I'd rather walk in myself, but I'm far too concerned to complain.
I scan over his room.
For lack of better words, it's a complete mess. A big black cauldron sits in the middle of his room, bubbling and letting off a green steam that burns the nostrils when directly inhaled. The table positioned in front of the window is in disarray as well. The contents that once called the table their home are now strewn around the floor haphazardly.
And what takes their place?
Empty and half empty bags of alchemical ingredients, some of which have spilled onto the table, creating a scene straight out of a drug lord's hideout. Multiple test tubes, some broken and some laying on their side also cover the table. On his bed are two books, one titled "The Brink of Salvation" and another titled "Forbidden Rites".
I stare at the whole scene frowning.
"A filthy room houses a filthy soul." I state, quoting Ms. Finnalin.
I turn to Theodore, expecting some kind of response. However, he doesn't notice as he's hastily scribbling something down, muttering
"Off by 0.04 grams from yesterday."
I walk up behind him.
"Ahem." I clear my throat.
Once again, no response. He's still writing, now muttering
"Damn it, I forgot to apply HOFBrINCL."
"Theodore."
"Grams to moles…"
"Theodore."
"Mole ratio…"
"Theodore!"
He spins around, greeting me with the same genuine smile from before.
His expression is one that you would give to a lifelong friend, whom you haven't seen in years.
"Ah Diana! I'm glad you're here. Can you help me distill the jellyfish juice?" He asks, pointing at the cauldron.
Just how tired is he?
It looks as though he's working himself to death.
I want to put a stop to this, to shake the tiredness right out of him, to return him to normalcy. However, I know that it's not that simple. This operation obviously means a great deal to him. He wouldn't be doing this to himself if it didn't.
The best thing to do now is to facilitate, to help, not hinder, to get him through this as quickly as possible.
I nod, walking over to the cauldron.
As I prepare the concoction needed for this task, he informs me about his day.
"After school today…or wait, I guess that was yesterday…yeah yesterday! After school yesterday, I took Bruno's daughter to a small, little café, and told her about what happened."
"And I suppose she didn't take it well?" I guess, now grinding two herbs together.
"No, she didn't. She yelled in my face, called me a liar, and ran off."
"What was her name? Bruno's daughter, I mean." I ask, while adding a new ingredient into the bowl.
"It was Lotte…" His voice trails off, as he thinks.
Lotte? That quiet, bookish girl yelled at Theodore?
Although I couldn't care less about her two friends, she's different. She actually receives respectable grades, and stays out of trouble when she can help it.
A shame too, Lotte has potential, but in my opinion, she's hanging with the wrong crowd.
"Never mind that!" Theodore snaps back with new found enthusiasm. "I had an epiphany after that café incident. Telling her the truth didn't work, not telling her the truth didn't work, so I have only one option: have her see him for herself."
"Makes sense to me." I mutter, now grinding this new ingredient into the mush.
"And so I've been here!" He declares. "Working all night, making this necromantic potion. It's been difficult, and I've gone through three straight batches! I thought this one was bad too, but after staring at it for two straight hours…" He gives out an embarrassed chuckle. "…I realized, I was wrong!"
"Two hours? All night? When did you sleep?" I ask, pouring the thick concoction into the cauldron.
"I didn't sleep. I haven't slept since yesterday. Samhain is tonight, I can sleep all I want after that!" He proclaims with a rather upbeat attitude.
He stumbles over next to me, as we both stare into the cauldron.
The once green stagnant fluid is now giving off many small bubbles, popping as quickly as they appear.
"It will continue to bubble for some time." I inform him. "After that, you may continue."
He turns towards me, smiling.
"Diana, thank you. I'd hug you, but I don't think I'd let go."
I look back, making eye contact with him.
His eyes are practically begging for sleep. It pains me to see him in such a state.
"Theodore, I'm worried about you."
He drops his smile, attempting to wave away my concerns with one hand.
"Please don't worry, Diana. I appreciate it, but after tonight, all will be well again. This is just a complication."
A silence follows.
A silence that is only countered by the musical tune of the bubbling brew. A silence that is eventually broken by Theodore.
"I'm going to wait for this to stop boiling. You can leave."
"Are you sure?" I question him. "If you need anything-"
"You've already done so much." He cracks an embarrassed smile. "I've been stuck on that step for hours."
"Well, if you insist."
Once I exit his room, he begins to shut the door.
"And Theodore…" I begin.
He stops closing the door, looking up at me, awaiting my words.
"Don't forget to bring a sacrificial item for Alchemy Class. We do have a lab, remember?"
He cracks another smile.
"Yes, thank you Diana."
He closes the door, leaving me alone in the hallway.
What shall I do now?
Hmmm…
I wonder what Hannah and Barbara are up to.
I let out a heavy yawn, as I monitor the cauldron.
Nine minutes, and eighteen seconds of constant bubbling.
I thought this would be a quick step, perhaps a minute at best. No matter, I've already spent so much time on this already, that a few extra minutes are nothing.
I avert my eyes from the brew, and towards the clock.
It's already 5:43 PM.
The sun will set in a few hours, and the night will begin. Most will be trick or treating, some will be revering the dead, while I will be reversing it, at least just for tonight.
Once this mixture stops bubbling, I'll-
Well, speak of the devil. It's done. The once green bubbling brew is now stagnant, bearing a reddish color.
Okay, good, now what's next? Picking up "Forbidden Rites", I read on.
'Now that the base brew is complete, you must identify which spirit you wish to contact. To do this, add DNA of the spirit's dead body into the brew, whether it be a fingernail, teeth, or perhaps a lock of their hair. Add this to the broth to specify which departed soul you wish to contact.'
Wait, the DNA of the departed soul?
That would be a problem to get, a very big problem.
Naturally, hair would be the easiest to find, him being a dog, and all.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out where there is. Probably my only option, a place that I hoped to never go back to: The Big Caves! The place where I fought Mendacius, and the place where Bruno and John Diehl died. I'll never forget how Bruno jumped in and saved my life, at the cost of his own.
I bet Bruno's hair is strewn all over the place…along with my regrets.
What happened there was so recent, and so horrible. Three people walk into The Big Caves, and only one comes out alive. There is nothing there but bad memories, but if there's a chance that Bruno's hair is there, I must take that opportunity.
I grab my broom, and a plastic bag for the hair, walking out of my dorm for the first time today.
The first thing I notice is a poster set up on the wall facing me.
It reads in red font
'Luna Nova's Samhain Festival'
The poster depicts artwork of a circle of candles around a bubbling cauldron.
Interesting, but I have no time for such things.
As I walk down the hall, I can't help but feel nervous. But why?
There's nothing there that can hurt me, at least physically.
But emotionally? Oh yes, that is in abundance. But, I must not think about it. It can't hurt me if I think about it. Remember Theodore, don't think about it.
I land gently on the forest floor, and unmount my broom.
A mere few feet away stands The Big Caves.
It's hard to imagine that only a few days ago, this cave was inhabited by a Roman god, along with his human turned dog. Too much has happened in these few days, too much for a lifetime. Bruno and John Diehl, they both sacrificed themselves…for me.
Who was I to them?
Just some teenage, an expendable young man. And yet, they threw away their lives, their future, all that they worked for, all for me. All of their memories, their experiences gone, gone but not forgotten.
They live on in our hearts and minds.
Their bodies may decay and eventually be gone, but their actions and accomplishments live on. Bruno, John, your actions live on, because I live on, because of your actions.
Now, I need to make sure that your actions are not in vain, and your final wish goes answered.
Bruno, you wished to see Lotte again, whether that be for an hour, or ten seconds.
I will do everything I can to make that happen!
I forcefully turn away from their graves, and enter The Big Caves.
It's just as I remember.
Cold and dark, with water dripping from the ceiling. The outside wind whistles through the countless caverns in such a way that it resembles a moan. Every shadow and every flicker of outside light resembles some demon about to pounce, and drag you away to an unimaginable hell.
The perfect shrine for the god of deception and lies.
However, there is something new in the air, a faint smell.
If there would be any of Bruno's hair, it would be where the fight took place, in Mendacius's statue room.
After a few twists and turns, I'm led to a hallway, and at the end of the hallway is a room.
I drift my gaze towards the statue, the marble bust of Mendacius.
While at this moment the statue poses no threat, its eyes still burn through me.
The glazed over, blank stare of classic Romanesque statues is strongly prevalent here. His chiseled jaw and profound abdominals radiate his power.
According to Mendacius, how strong and influential a god is depends on the number of followers they have. Coming from the god of deception and lies, its authenticity remains in strong question.
But, for the purpose of this thought experiment, let's just say he was telling the truth.
So, how many people believed in his existence?
There was John Diehl, Bruno, and I. Mendacius took possession of John's body, so he's no longer in the picture, and then he killed Bruno, which I believe was Mendacius's downfall.
There was no one left to believe in him, but me. And as Mendacius stated, he was not used to being in an old body, such as John Diehl's, giving me another advantage. The odds were truly with me that day.
And if they were not?
My whole body quivers as I think about it.
Gods can't die, right?
No, of course they can't. No matter how hard you try, no matter how many books you burn, or how many followers you kill, the god will still be there. And Mendacius is no exception. He's still out there somewhere. Whether he's in possession of someone else's body, a Will-o'-the-wisp, or is some force unfathomable remains in question.
In other words, god's not dead, he's surely alive!
I shuffle around a bit more, finding many clumps of brown hair strewn around the room, reminding me of Bruno's fate.
Before I allow myself the opportunity to think about it, I quickly grab a handful, placing it in my bag, and the bag in my satchel.
As I walk out, I stop myself halfway through the doorway.
I turn around, taking everything in. I can't help but let out a heavy sigh.
However, there is something more painful than death: the pain of never saying goodbye to your loved ones, and that opportunity was robbed from Bruno.
I intend to return it to him in full, tonight
I walk out of the caves.
The moon has already begun to rise, hugging me in its milky white light. The moon reminds me, Samhain is tonight.
I can feel it.
There's magic in the river, there's magic in the treetops, and there's magic in the sky. There's magic everywhere.
But tonight, it's even stronger than usual.
I begin to walk down the dirt path, thinking.
Okay, okay, now I can continue on with my incantation. I believe I only have a few more steps to go, and then…Lotte.
Lotte, where are you? What are you thinking? Lotte…
A few tears roll down my face, which is laying my folded arms.
Pain is what I feel.
Not physical pain, but emotional pain. A deep pain, as if my heart turned inside out, and then imploded on itself.
Theodore…how could he do this?!
I was his friend, and he did this?
He lied to me about such a serious issue. Does he not trust me?! He lied straight to my face, he looked at me dead in the eyes and lied, as if it was nothing!
After what Theodore said, I just didn't know what to do with myself.
So I ran here, to my dorm room to calm down.
I hear a flutter of paper as Sucy turns the pages of a book. She's also in the room, lying in her bed, reading.
Theodore has wronged us both. He came into our lives and enacted great stress onto us. Sucy hides it more, as well as having a lesser blow, but I'm not as emotionless as she is.
I hear our door fling open, smacking against the wall. Without turning my head, I already know who it is.
"There you two are!" Akko happily shouts. "I've been looking for you! So, do you two want to go to The Samhain Festival tonight? It looks really fun, and-"
"Leave us alone, Akko. We're having a bad day." Sucy growls, cutting her off.
"Whaaat?! Why?!" Akko asks, full of worry. "Was it because I ate your lunch? I'm so sorry, Sucy! I was just so hungry!"
Sucy ignores her, as she continues to read her book.
With my head still in my arms, the only way I can tell is by the turning of the pages.
"Sucy, please! Tell me what's wrong!"
I hear the shifting of weight coming from Sucy's bed, and rapid shaking.
Akko's probably shaking Sucy, desperate for the answer.
"You're my friend! Please tell me!" Akko demands.
"You're suffocating..." I hear from Sucy.
"Please! Please! Please! Just tell me what's wrong!"
"Theodore." I say.
The shaking stops.
It was less of a statement, and more of a whisper. T
he kind you would give when cussing in class, or telling an obvious lie. An unholy statement that injects your very soul with toxins upon utterance.
You feel dirty, but no amount of soap can wash away the sin.
"Ah, so she speaks…" Sucy mutters.
"Whaaat?! What do you mean Theodore?!" Akko demands.
"U-umm…w-well, he…" I nervously start.
"He lied to Lotte, yelled at me, and ignored my apology. He's a stuck up, big nosed, rotten Roman. No wonder he's friends with Diana." Sucy finishes.
"You don't mean…" Akko begins fearfully.
"We're not is friends anymore." Sucy states bluntly.
I haven't decided that yet.
I can't just dump him, and say 'Thanks for the memories, but bye.' Can I?
Akko gives off a heavy sigh, a farewell to her lost friend. She plops herself onto the bunk bed.
"Well, that sucks. He was a pretty cool guy."
She thinks for a bit, silently chuckling to herself, then says
"Remember when you first met him, Lotte? Just looking at him made you run away in embarrassment! Haha!"
Yeah, he was nice back then.
But now? I'm not so sure what to believe.
"And Sucy…" Akko continues. "…remember on the first day of school when you got him to try your potion? Oh, his face was redder than a tomato!"
"He was the first guinea pig I ever had." Sucy comments.
I remember that day.
He took it like a champion, and even let us befriend him afterwards.
I smile at the memory.
Ah, friends…
"And you two must remember when we had a sleepover with him? Oh man, that was such a good time! Remember that story off you two had, Sucy? He never faltered, even under your scariest of stories. And in the end, he won. Do you remember that, Lotte? You and I were scared half to death!"
More reminiscent laughter from Akko.
"I gained respect for him that day." Sucy admits. "Especially after he found and returned my potions' satchel."
"Oh yeah!" Akko beams, remembering something. "How did that thing go with Ted, Lotte? Huh? Was it a date? Did you two kiss? I'm always rooting for some Theodotte. Pretty good ship name, huh? I made it up!"
I don't respond.
I can't respond.
I'm overwhelmed with mixed emotions, both of them vying for power.
One side sees him as a jerk. We've known him for three months, and he's hurt me, he's hurt me bad. He lied to me. He doesn't trust me. I haven't done anything untrustworthy, have I?
No, and yet he lies.
Of course, the same premise applies to him.
He's only known me for three months, and yet he took me out, treated me to tea, and discussed a private, and emotional matter face to face. Not a text, nor an email, but up close and personal.
That at least shows a level of courage and responsibility.
Normally, when someone would push me over the edge, I would shut them out, be as mute as possible, perhaps show a level of coldness similar to Sucy. But Theodore?
We've known each other for so little time, and yet he has this effect on me.
I'm still thinking about him.
He told me a story, how he battled a Roman god, and how my dad was a dog. But that can't be true, can it?
When he discussed the details, I looked for the signs of a liar. A smile here, a covering of the mouth there, maybe even an excessive amount of story detail. I recall no such actions. Did he try to end the conversation prematurely?
No, that was me.
That's when it hit me.
The truth struck me over the head with a baseball bat, shattering my past doubts, and leaving me to pick up the pieces.
He was telling the truth!
Much like steam in a shower, the overwhelming feeling of guilt blankets me, and leaves me feeling sticky and disgusting. An empty void is created, and nothing can escape the nothingness.
I feel awful, because I made Theodore feel awful. He was trying to reach out, to comfort me, and be comforted. And what did I do? I rejected him, and left him alone with his vast sea of emotions.
I was the life raft, and yet I let him drown.
"Lotte?"
I'm snapped back into reality by Akko's voice.
I know what I have to do. I can't leave him like this. He's a friend, not a foe. He deserves comfort, just as I deserve closure.
I sit up, making eye contact with Sucy.
She has her own tension with Theodore that must be worked out.
Perfectly understanding my gaze, we both exchange a nod, agreeing to my silent request. Sucy slings her satchel over her shoulder, as we stand up.
We both wordlessly walk out of the room, and make our way to Theodore's room.
As we walk down the hall, I hear Akko yell
"So, are we going to The Samhain Festival, or not?!"
I empty the bag of Bruno hair into the cauldron.
Instantly, the brew begins to bubble violently, as steam streams out the top.
The whole room becomes filled to the brim with this gas.
A choking, foul stench weighs heavy in the air. A smell like no other, that can only be described as a three year old gym sock soaked in the juices of a rotten egg, one of those one hundred year old eggs that are all the rage to eat. A disgusting stench that burns my eyes, and feels sticky to the skin.
In defense, I hide my face in my shirt, hoping to stave off the odor.
Just what is this? I know that after I put the DNA in the cauldron, it'll start to bubble, but this is crazy! It's as if my whole bedroom is a world war one trench that just fell victim to a mustard gas attack. For every bubble that's popped, it's as if a gunshot has been fired next to my head. This smell, this sound, I'm not sure if I can take much more of this!
The smell begins to seep through my shirt, leaving me without a safe space.
As the foul air mixes into my breath, my lungs begin to swelter.
It starts out light, but begins to worsen as the time ticks by. It's as if I have a transient heartburn that decided to migrate into my lungs.
I begin to violently cough, clutching at my scorched throat.
This air is nothing short of poison!
With each passing cough, my vision becomes blurred, as a pounding headache suddenly manifests itself. I decide to hold my breath. At first, besides the burning sensation sweltering in my nostrils, all goes well.
However, my basic need for the air of life becomes too great to ignore.
I unconsciously begin gasping for air, as my lungs burn for oxygen.
My knees shake viciously, as I collapse on the floor.
How could this grotesque gas weaken me so much?!
I let out another wet cough, phlegm scraps against the walls of my throat. Look at yourself, Theodore! You can handle a god, but not a bit of polluted air?!
Come on, you're a Roman! Don't let yourself die by some school crafted chemicals! I struggle against my exhausted muscles, attempting to push myself up. If I could just make it to the door…
Try as I might, no amount of fighting spirit can compensate for a lack of air, and I slump back down. I stare longingly through the chemical mist and at the door.
So close, but so far.
I…I can't-
My mind is abruptly forced to silence, as the door swings open.
The toxic air is immediately vacuumed out of the room, as if someone opened the door on an airborne plane.
My whole body is submerged by a wave of relief, as fresh, clean air circulates throughout my room, and not a moment too soon!
As the mist clears the room, I see my savior standing at the door.
It's Sucy!
After taking the blast full force, her hair's a mess, and her clothes are wrinkled beyond belief.
However, that doesn't stop her from smiling.
Strange, it's not her standard sadistic smile, but something new, something that I've never quite seen before.
He eyes lazily recreate the thousand yard stare. Her face bears a trembling grin, as her head is tilted upwards in pure ecstasy.
She exhales, a stream of the poisonous green chemical mist shoot out of her nostrils.
"Ahhh, something smells good…" She joyfully mutters to herself.
How is Sucy so tolerant to this torrential terror?
I'm not even sure if she's human anymore. She could just be the daughter of one of the elves that maintain the school.
"Oh Sucy, sometimes I just don't understand you." I hear from a familiar voice.
I spot someone new walking into the doorway.
My eyes go wide as the features begin to manifest themselves before me.
That orange hair, those freckles, those glasses, all three collectively scream one word directly into my eardrums: Lotte.
But, it can't be true. Lotte? Why is she here?
The last time I saw her, she wanted nothing to do with me. But here she is, standing only a few meters from me. Sucy is here as well, they both are.
I thought after what happened, they both wished ill will onto me.
Lotte spots me on the ground.
Her eyes go almost as wide as mine.
"Oh my, Theodore! Are you okay?!" she shrieks, rushing to my aid.
So, she does care.
Once she reaches me, she affectionately puts me onto her lap, a hand cupping the back of my head.
"I'm fine, Lotte. Just a bit exhausted." I admit, smiling to keep her worries at bay.
Sucy takes a knee by me. She looks through her satchel, and pulls out a green bottle of some kind.
"Here, drink this." She commands, shoving it into my hands.
I look it over and pull off the cap, smelling the contents.
I can't identify what this is.
"What is it?" I ask. "Some kind of potion that cures tiredness? Why Sucy, just imagine the money you could make with this! No, imagine how useful this will be! We'll never need sleep again-"
"It's an energy drink." She says in a monotonic manner.
"Oh."
A bit confused and a little embarrassed, I obey Sucy's request, and drink.
As a standard energy drink, I didn't get the same boost I would've gotten from an actual energy potion, but this is good enough.
A surge of energy runs through my body, charging my depleted muscles.
I blink a few times, waking up my tired eyes.
"Welcome back." I hear coming from Sucy.
I look up at the alchemist.
"Sucy, why? I thought you were done with me, after I refused to acknowledge your apology and all."
"Well, I still owe you for finding my potions' satchel."
I silently sigh to myself.
So, she only did it to pay off a debt? Not because she cares?
"Even though your ignorance of me stung, in the end we're still friends." She adds, smiling at me.
Once again, this is a smile that I've never seen before.
Her smile seemed to understand and believe in you in a way that only a mother could replicate.
It was not sadistic, nor full of ecstasy, but hope.
Without her smile wavering, she asks
"So, are we good?"
I smile back.
"We're good."
"Good."
Sucy stands up.
"I'll leave you two alone now. I'm sure Akko wouldn't mind a little Theodotte to wrap this up."
Theodotte?
And with that, she slings her satchel over her shoulder, and leaves.
Only Lotte and I remain.
We both look at each other.
Her flickering eyes glisten with suppressed tears.
A mixture of regret, shame, sorry, self pity, and relief is spread over her face. Under her shaky eyes are a matching set of black bags. So, she didn't sleep well last night either.
Despite this combination of negative emotions, I'm glad she's here, that she came on her own free will, and didn't have to be forced. I can safely assume that she feels the same why. But still, we can't continue on with this air of uncomfortableness still lingering.
I still feel bad about making her cry, even if the tears were shed in the face of truth.
"Lotte, I'm sorr-"
"No, I'm sorry!" She interrupts, her outburst catching me off guard. "I'm sorry that I didn't believe you, I'm sorry for yelling at you, and I'm so sorry that you had to go through such torture all for me! Fighting a Roman god?! I can't even begin to imagine how stressful that must have been for you, you almost died!"
Lotte reminding me about the situation with such emotions is making me become emotional as well. It's evident in my voice.
I swallow a lump in my throat, choosing my next words carefully.
"Yes Lotte, I almost died, but I didn't. I was saved, saved by your dad, Cooper Yanson. He saved my life, by giving up his own. He's a hero! A hero who even in an inch of death was worried about one thing, the well being of his daughter, of you, Lotte. I owe him a great debt, and it is a debt that I hope to pay off tonight. But, I need your help. Samhain has begun, the veil has thinned, but only for tonight. He's waiting for you Lotte, right now, as we speak. Why, he' probably in this room right now, watching us. He loves you Lotte, and wishes to speak with you, one last time. Will you accept his request?" I ask, already knowing the answer.
"Yes! Yes! Of course! I haven't spoken to him since I was a little girl. This is an opportunity that I cannot, and will not pass up!"
I knew it.
How could she refuse? Anyone would gladly accept. I personally would jump at the chance to talk to a dead family member.
However, if it were me, I would talk to one of my ancestors of old, seeking advice and wisdom that was lost with time.
Maybe someday, but not today. Today is Lotte's day, a day for her to reconnect with her lost loved one.
Okay, Lotte."
I point at the cauldron, explaining how this is going to work.
"So, I already completed the potion. All you have to do is follow the book's instructions."
I hand her the book 'Forbidden Rites'.
She eyes the book, and then the brew.
Her eyes flicker with slight sadness.
"You know, I feel bad. You spent all this time crafting this potion, and yet I'm going to be reaping all the rewards."
"Please don't, I wanted to do this."
Understanding, Lotte begins skimming the book.
"So, what am I supposed to do first?" She asks.
I read along as well.
"Let's see…first I have to cast a circle around you, and anoint it with the potion. Then you have to cast the spell, I'll give you the word when we're ready."
With a nod, Lotte stands in the corner of my room, giving me space to perform my magic. Once she gets in a comfortable position, I get to work.
I grab four candles, a green one representing the North, a yellow one representing the East, a red one representing the South, and a blue colored candle representing the West. I place each candle in its appropriate direction, the North Candle facing the North, the South candle facing the South, and so on.
I light the North candle, saying
"Guardians of the North, Element of Earth. I call upon thee to be present during this ritual. Please join us now, and bless this circle."
I light the East candle, saying
"Guardians of the East, Element of Air. I call upon thee to be present during this ritual. Please join us now, and bless this circle."
I light the South candle, saying
"Guardians of the South, Element of Fire. I call upon thee to be present during this ritual. Please join us now, and bless this circle."
And finally, I light the West candle, saying
"Guardians of the West, Element of Water. I call upon thee to be present during this ritual. Please join us now, and bless this circle."
I then stand back, taking the whole imaginary circle in. I then chant
"Gods and Goddesses, Guardian Angels, and Spiritual Guides please be present with us during this ritual. Bless this circle and keep us protected. No unwanted entities are welcome here. Only pure, divine beings are invited into this space. The circle is cast. So mote it be."
A pure white circle then materializes around the candles.
The circle in now complete.
Now that the circle has been casted, it's time to manipulate it for Necromantic purposes.
I dip a cup into the cauldron, taking in the liquid.
A bit splashes on my arm.
It emanates a certain heat that is felt deep down to the bone. It also numbs the afflicted area on the spot.
Ignoring it, I wave at Lotte, directing her into the newly formed circle.
Once she enters, I pour the brew out, walking around the circle, covering every speck of the white light in a green goo.
I hope my carpet is washable.
I read through the book, searching for the final step.
"Okay Lotte, the rest is up to you. All you have to do is say the spell. It's…"
My voice trails off, as what I read makes no sense. How would one pronounce this?
I give it my best go.
"Surge M-Morty…Surgity?"
This isn't some English word unknown to me, is it?
"Surgite Mortui Surgite?" Lotte guesses.
I read over the book, then play back what she said in my mind.
Yup, she's spot on.
Impressed and a little embarrassed, I nod at her correct pronunciation.
Lotte nervously fidgets on the spot.
She shakes her head in protest, shaking her nerves away. Here it comes. Lotte inhales deeply from her nose, and chants with gusto
"Surgite Mortui Surgite!"
Instantly upon utterance, the circle completely consumes Lotte in a bright bubble. A few beads of sweat appear on my face, as the bubbles pulsates an intense heat, that makes the whole room feel like an oven.
I bury my face in my arm, as the light is too much to bear.
What's going on?! This is part of the ritual, right?!
I can't do anything now, it's up to her. Lotte, please stay safe!
As soon as I utter the spell, the room instantly transforms into a pure, heavenly light.
Everything, even Theodore, dissipates into the white. I look around, turning my head right to left, and then my whole body all the way around. It's just as I thought, there is no end to this holy color. The light stretches far out into the empty void. The only solid part of this world, being the floor, is also draped in whiteness.
Strange, even in the face of this unfamiliar world, I feel surprisingly at peace.
The immense stress and anxiousness that once plagued me has been completely eradicated. And what's in its place? An inner peace that emanates solace, and fills my body with a certain calmness that I haven't felt in some time. It's as if I took a shower after a long and tiring day. The worries are now down the drain, gone forever, and replaced by a fresh, clean face ready to start the day.
I hear something from behind, something echoing throughout the void…footsteps! I spin around, and my heart swells. I can hardly believe my eyes, as I choke out
"D-daddy!"
Seeing me, he smiles, and extends both arms outwards in a hug.
"Lotte! Lotte! My dear Lotte!"
I rush to him, tears streaming down my face. I embrace him tightly, burying my head in his chest, joyfully sobbing.
"Oh daddy! I missed you so much. I can't believe it! Is it really you?!"
He places a hand on my head, gently stroking my hair.
"Yes. Oh Lotte, how wonderful it is to finally speak to you again."
"D-daddy I-I love y-yo-"
The tears become too much, as I violently sob into his shirt, hardly able to form a proper sentence.
"Shhh." He whispers, as he continues to pet me. "Listen closely Lotte. I don't have much time, the veil is thickening."
I look up at him confused.
"D-daddy?" I ask nervously.
"I'm so proud of you Lotte. You've done well, very well ever since I was taken from you. You've gone through a lot of hardships, and will face many more challenges throughout your life. You are strong, so strong, and when I died all I wanted was to see you, to be with you, and protect you. But, now I realize that was a foolish thought. You have grown from a shy little girl, into a smart, kind woman. You don't need your daddy anymore."
"B-but no! I'm not who you say I am! I'm still weak and shy!" I blurt out.
When have I ever been strong?
He looks at me with a playful smile, asking
"What kind of weak women could take on a dragon, and shout at a battle hardened guy in public?"
Battle hardened guy?
"You mean Theodore?" I ask.
"Yes."
I can feel his skin grow cold, as the room's lush white light begins to slowly dim.
"W-what's happening, daddy?!" I ask, clinging to him tighter.
He places both hands on my head, one on each cheek.
He tilts my head up, so that we're making eye contact.
"Samhain is ending, the veil is thickening. I must go." He informs me.
I cling onto him even tighter than before, my nails practically digging into his none existing flesh. N-no, don't leave me…please!
"Will I ever see you again?" I whisper.
It pains me to ask this. I don't want him to go. And so soon!
"Yes, yes you will. I'll be with you every morning as a singing bird, and every night as a twinkling star. I'll always be with you, and when you need me, I'll be there, whispering from your shoulder."
The light grows dimmer, so dim that I can't see anything. Not a hand in front of my face, and not my dad. However, I feel him.
I feel his warmth, his eternal love.
His grip on me has not ceased, I can still feel his arms around me, as well as his heartbeat, so full of life even after death.
That's when it hit me, when I came to the full realization of this revelation.
Even in death, the love of a father, or any love for that matter, is still prevalent. Nothing can stop death, but nothing can stop love.
Love reaches out past the grave, and it is through love that we live on. We do not truly die, we live on through the hearts and minds of others.
In a way, we are all immortal.
I feel fresh tears trickle down my already damp face. However, these tears aren't formed by regret or loss, but gain. Gain in this new understanding of the natural world, and its inhabitants.
I accept death, I accept my father's death. I will miss him of course, but I at least take comfort in knowing that when my bell tolls, someone will be there to welcome me.
With a trembling smile, I utter
"I-love you daddy…goodbye…"
I feel a few light strokes against my hair. Each stroke becomes lighter and softer, as he slowly fades away.
"Goodbye Lotte, daddy loves."
The light finally begins to dim, as I remove my face from my sleeve.
My squint lessens as the white dissipates into the background, revealing the young witch standing there.
"Lotte?" I whisper, as to not startle her.
Poor girl, after seeing her dead dad, she's probably not in the best of moods.
I can only imagine how she feels.
Lotte looks up at me.
A heartbeat later, she suddenly rushes forward, enveloping me in a tight embrace.
This hug is unlike any other hug I have felt before.
This hug is one of those rare hugs that you might encounter two or three times in your life. The only other scenario that I could try to compare this experience to would be an angel wrapping you in a warm silk blanket. A smooth feeling, that reminds me of a warm fire in the dead of winter, the light at the end of the tunnel. A hug not seeking comfort, but a hug radiating joy. Joy in the plan's success, as well as our revived friendship.
I would normally be taken by complete surprise by her forward attitude.
However, after this crazy week, I wouldn't bat an eye if Constanze stood in front of the entire student body, and screamed that she's a Communistic Atheist who believes in Allah.
"So, I assume it went well?" I ask happily, returning her hug in full.
"Very."
We hold each other like this for some time.
Time seems to stand still, as the cool autumn air completely capitulates under the warmth of our embrace. The only sign of the passage of time being the lights and sounds of The Samhain Festival outside.
I wouldn't mind staying like this for an hour, maybe a year.
Unfortunately, as all good things must do, our embrace ends.
She yawns lightly into a hand, looking at the clock.
"Oh…it's nearly midnight." She declares, slightly surprised.
Time flies when you're spending it with a friend.
"Yes, it is." I agree. "Both of us could use a good night's sleep. Today has been a bit overwhelming, don't you agree?"
She nods, giggling a little.
"A bit overwhelming? That's an understatement."
"Isn't it tho-" I'm cut off, as I let out a yawn of my own.
More giggling comes from Lotte.
"You must really be sleepy, huh? I think it might be best if I let you rest. We have a lab tomorrow, remember?" She reminds me.
"Isn't tomorrow also the day we get taught by that foreign exchange teacher Mr. Brink?" I add.
"Oh yes! I had forgotten that."
With this exchange over, she turns around, walking out.
As she's about to leave, she looks at me with another heart melting smile, and declares
"Have a happy Halloween and a blessed Samhain!"
Author's Note: This was quite a long chapter, huh?
Don't forget to leave a comment! I need your constant love and admiration.
And of course, my response to Nightcore Miku:
"Hey, it's me, Nightcore Miki :D. Sorry to say, but I don't know any cobblers. And by clubbing, I mean getting some clubs and whack some baby seals. :D You interested?"
Cha-yeah-yeah. But let's not do it this weekend, season seven of MLP is coming out.