Chapter 25

(Hope)

Huan had struck without warning— One moment she was puzzling over how to cross the moat of quicksand and the next she was falling into it, shoved forcefully from behind.

She didn't even have a chance to scream; the sand swallowed her eagerly, hastily pulling her into its depths.

Hope kept her mouth shut tightly, but it made little difference—the sand's crushing weight threatened to choke her regardless.

She was going to drown…

Just when she feared she couldn't take it any longer, the crushing, sinking feeling suddenly abated. It was replaced by a strange sensation of weightlessness.

Was she dead?

"Hope!" a voice called.

Her eyes flew open, revealing a dark void— empty and seemingly endless. She turned to the direction of the voice to find Clarke floating a short distance away, looking as panicked as she felt.

"Clarke!" she exclaimed, reaching out for him. He quickly bridged the distance between them, grabbing ahold of her hand and pulling her towards him.

She was instantly reminded of Clarke's nightmare—they had been alone then too, suspended in a void just like this one… If it wasn't for the dark sand covering them both, she would have believed this to be just another bad dream.

"Where are we?" she asked, hating the way her voice shook.

"This is the heart of Malivore's consciousness," he explained. "But how are you here?" he asked, eyes wide with surprise.

"Malivore's consciousness?" she asked in disbelief; the very notion made her feel ill.

"How the hell did we end up here?"

"I'm not sure how you're here, but this is where I ended up the last time I fell into the sand," Clarke answered, voice low.

He seemed exceptionally nervous— she watched as he scanned the area around them with frantic eyes.

She was about to ask him what was wrong when she suddenly had the unsettling feeling of being watched.

The sensation reminded her of a quote by Nietzsche… "And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you."

"Hope Mikaelson," a voice boomed out of the darkness, causing a shiver to run down her spine.

She knew instantly— it was Malivore.

"At last you have arrived," the voice said, loud enough that she could feel the words reverberating in her chest.

Clarke squeezed her hand, but she could feel his fear echoing through their connection. This was the creature that had used and abused him all these years… the source of all his torment.

Hope felt a surge of anger wash over her— she couldn't wait to make Malivore suffer…

"So sorry to keep you waiting," she said snapped, forgetting the fear she felt only moments before.

Dark laughter rang out through the darkness, surrounding them from every direction.

"And the prodigal son returns," Malivore added, addressing Clarke for the first time.

"Hello, Father," Clarke answered tightly, squeezing her hand again.

It's okay, it's okay, it's okay— she urged her words, or at least her feelings, to reach him.

"It's a shame you didn't bring the tribrid to me sooner… I'm sure I don't have to tell you that our deal is now null," the voice boomed.

Clarke stiffened beside her, jaw clenched.

She turned to him, a small wave of uncertainty fleeting through her.

"Hope, that was…before," he whispered to her, his expression pained.

Although it was hard to admit, she had always known it was possible that Clarke had a deal with Malivore— but things were different then.

"I am curious," Malivore began. "Do you regret your choice? I can feel her magic on you, tethering you like a dog… It seems you've merely sold yourself to another master."

She noticed Clarke flinch in response to his accusation. Hope gritted her teeth —this was personal.

"You have no idea what you're talking about— I am nothing like you," she bit out.

"Oh, but you are," Malivore said, cruelty dripping from his words. "It's one of the reasons I'm so eager to meet you."

"If you're so eager to meet me, then why are you hiding?" she asked. "Let's meet—face to face!" she shouted into the darkness.

"Face to face?" Malivore asked, seemingly amused. "You may want to be careful what you wish for…"

Once again, his sinister cackle filled the void— his bellowing laughter began to shake the space around them, sending them into a sudden free fall.

Hope screamed, clinging desperately to Clarke's hand as they fell. She could feel his terror as intensely as her own—

She had no warning of the ground's approach and swore when she landed painfully on her back.

She looked over to find Clarke sprawled out next to her. A feeling of déjà vu came over her— it was eerily similar to how they arrived in this dimension.

She pulled herself to her feet, ignoring the aching pain. Wherever they were, it was dark— but not as dark as the void; she could just make out the stone walls around her.

"Clarke— Are you alright?" she whispered, kneeling down next to him.

"This is getting really old…" he grumbled, pulling himself up. "And look, another suit ruined!" he exclaimed, gesturing dramatically.

She couldn't help but chuckle—at least he was okay…

"So, where are we?" she asked, moving closer to him.

"Think you can shed a little light?" he asked, wiggling his fingers in the air. "Or is the sand blocking your magic again?"

Shit! The sand…

She did a quick check, reaching out for her magic… Warm, familiar, electric—she could feel it respond to her call.

"I—I think I'm alright," she said quietly. "I can still feel it…"

Clarke gave her an appraising look. "You were able to connect to Malivore in the pit too— Even though the last time you almost drowned…" he said.

"I remember," she said with a shudder.

"What's changed?" he asked.

"I don't know… Since when have you been able to use magic?" she challenged.

"Touché," he answered with a grin. "Do you think it's because of… this?" he asked, gesturing between them.

"You think we're gaining aspects of each other's abilities?" she asked.

"Maybe," he answered. "Think about it, I'm able to use magic—your magic. And you're able to connect with my father and the sand doesn't affect you anymore, right?"

Let's find out.

"Post tenebras spero," she whispered, summoning a glowing ball of light into the palm of her hand.

Clarke's eyebrows raised in surprise, she couldn't help but give him a self-satisfied smirk, but the moment was short lived.

"What is this place?" he asked, sucking in a breath.

She turned to find rows and rows of prison cells lining the dark, desolate hallway behind her.

"I think we've finally made it inside Malivore's fortress…" she answered.

(Ryan)

The cells were all empty, which somehow made him feel even less at ease.

"Where do you think all of the…prisoners went?" she asked carefully.

"No idea," he answered. "More importantly, where is Malivore?"

She shook her head, tugging anxiously at her necklace.

"Hello?" a small voice came from somewhere further down the hallway, causing them both to freeze.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" the voice asked—a very familiar voice…

"That sounds like Landon," Hope whispered anxiously.

"It certainly sounds like him," he answered.

"Do you think it's a trap?" she asked, wary again.

"Almost certainly," he answered. "But that's not going to stop you from going to check, is it?" he asked.

"No," she answered honestly.

He sighed— "Well, let's get on with it."

They walked cautiously down the dark hall, lit only by the orb of light in Hope hand— While he was glad to have enough light to see, the orb's soft glow caused strange shadows to appear, dancing on the walls of the otherwise empty cells.

"Hello?" Landon called again, louder this time—they were getting closer.

"We're coming," Hope called into the darkness.

A few moments later, they came upon the end of the cell block and there, in the very last cell, was Landon.

"Hope!" he shouted, rushing up to the bars. "What happened to you guys?" he asked.

"Courtesy of Huan, I'm afraid," she answered. "Honestly, it's a long story… Are you okay?" she asked.

"For the most part," he answered with a shrug.

"Landon, I want to tell you how sorry I am… I never intended to let Akane to hurt you," she said quietly.

"Don't worry about it. I understand," he said with a smile.

"I really am sorry," Hope repeated—Ryan hated seeing her so guilty.

Landon just nodded. "Can you get me out of here?" he asked.

"Of course!" she exclaimed, raising a hand to cast a spell before stopping short. "Wait— what's my favorite milkshake?" she blurted out.

What?

"Peanut butter blast, whipped cream on the bottom," he replied with a grin.

He could feel Hope's relief—presumably that was the answer she was looking for. He decided to make a mental note…

"Dissera portus," Hope said, reaching out a hand towards the cell door— a moment later, it sprung open, without even a hint of resistance.

"Thanks, Hope. Now, let's get out of here," Landon said, stepping out of the cramped cell.

Just then, Ryan swore he saw a strange shadow move behind Lanon's shoulder—this place was really getting to him.

"Who locked you in here?" he asked Landon, uneasy with how smoothly things were going.

"Akane," he answered. "She threw me in this cell and left to get Malivore," he explained.

Something wasn't quite right…

"She's going to be back any minute," Landon warned, peering down the hallway.

"Do you know the way out?" Hope asked.

"This way," a female voice answered from behind them.

He knew that voice anywhere, it was Akane.

"Hello, friends," Akane greeted them. She looked as beautiful and graceful as ever—all trace of the bloodthirsty fox had vanished.

"You bitch," Hope snarled, moving to stand protectively in front of Landon and himself.

Ryan placed his hand on her shoulder—patience.

He knew she could feel his intention, and he breathed a sigh of relief when he felt her impulsive anger cool.

Now was not the time for another fight—now was the time for strategy.

"As much as I'd love a rematch," Akan taunted, "I'm just here for…Landon."

Ryan looked to Landon—his face remained strangely impassive.

"I'm not going to let that happen," Hope said defensively.

"Well, I suppose I could bring you all upstairs," Akane answered, pausing to let out a low whistle.

Suddenly, the shadows within the cells began to move, their dark forms looked like ink bleeding down the stone walls.

"Hope, look out!" he called, attempting to pull her away from the wall where the shadows crept. But it was too late, as hard as he pulled, it was as if she was chained to the spot.

"What are these?" she yelled, straining against the shadowy arms holding her in place.

"Say hello to the Tariaksuq—the shadow people," Akane answered with a wicked grin.

To hell with strategy— Ryan tried to launch himself at Akane, but suddenly found his feet frozen in place. He looked down to find shadowy hands wrapped around his ankles.

"While I have you here, why don't you hand that token over?" Akane asked, pointing to the pouch around his neck.

"I would love nothing more than to take one more victory from Huan," she added.

"Clarke! Over here!" shouted Landon— somehow, he had slipped behind Akane and was nearly halfway back down the hallway.

Akane looked over her shoulder in surprise, giving him a split second to make a decision. As much as he hated the idea of giving Landon his token, he hated the idea of Akane getting it even more.

He yanked the pouch over his head and sent it sailing over Akane's head.

"Got it!" Landon shouted, holding the pouch up in triumph.

"Run, Landon!" Hope shouted. "Get out of here—find Gwyllion!"

Suddenly, Landon's expression darkened…

"I knew it," he said. "That hag thought she could outsmart me, but she was wrong."

An icy feeling of dread washed over him.

"Landon?" Hope asked apprehensively. He could feel her emotions swirling, but he was powerless to comfort her.

Landon—or not Landon— smiled before breaking out in laughter.

Dark, cruel laughter—laughter he knew all too well…

"Hello, Father," Ryan said, acknowledging the truth before him— Landon was possessed by Malivore.

"It took you long enough… Although, you always were a little slow," Malivore answered in Landon's voice.

Akane giggled.

"But—how?" Hope asked. "You knew about the milkshake…"

"My time playing Hope Mikaelson really paid off, huh?" Akane asked, giving her a wink.

"No!" Hope screamed. "What have you done?"

Malivore ignored her as he secured the pouch with Ryan's token around his neck. Ryan felt as if the wind had been knocked out of him.

"I said, what have you done?" Hope asked again, pure malice in her voice.

Malivore made his way back to Hope, studying his prey.

"I'll tell you what I've done," he answered, watching her struggle against the shadow creatures' grip. "I've merely completed step one—and I can't wait for you to see what's next…"

"In Inuit mythology the Tariaksuq is a humanoid creature associated with shadows, invisibility and obscurity.

It is said that, for the most part, they are the same as any other human being. They have houses, families, weapons, tools, and more. Where they deviate from normal people, however, is that they are not visible by looking straight at them. In looking directly at them, they either disappear into the separate world which they occupy, apart from our own, or they are only seen for the shadow they cast. They only become visible if they are killed."