The Dimension Walker: The Pearl of Chaos

Summary: Avril Burgundy was just wanted to have a normal summer. She didn't ask to be sucked into her favorite cartoon, nor did she ask to end up in a camp full of special people! To make matters worse, an eight hundred-year-old sorcerer plans to escape and he's going to use the Pearls of Chaos to do it. Avril has to go on a quest to prevent the Sorcerer from escaping. But, something else lurks in the shadows. Something that's been imprison for centuries...

A/N: If anyone is wondering...this story takes place after "Big Trouble In Little Norrisville" and "Winner Takes Ball" or possibly after "Ball's Well That Friends Well". If RC9GN is really coming to an end and not having a third season [which I will scream for eternity], then consider this story post-series.

~Chapter Eight~

~The Dead Path To the Shadows~

(-Line-Break-)

By the time we finished packing and preparing, the sun was starting to set. We stood on top of the hill, looking over Camp Walker. I had only been here a few weeks and it already felt like home. It was strange, but also very comforting.

I leaned against a tree, halfheartedly listening to Carrie and Natalia going over a plan. Sure, that was rude since they were trying to help me, but my focus was somewhere else. My gaze was on Randy and Nomi, who were quietly talking to one another. They were holding hands, and Nomi was whispering in Randy's ear. Randy was rubbing the back of his neck, and his cheeks were bright red. I snorted and shook my head. Those two were so adorable that it should be illegal.

Jake had come to say his goodbyes. Natalia and Carrie nearly pushed him down as they tackle-hugged him. The blonde rolled his eyes and told them to be careful. Natalia promised she would, while Carrie snorted and said she would try. Once he got out of the bear hug, Jake walked over to Alice and Ally. He wished them good luck, and to make sure they watched each other's backs. He said, and I quote, "You work better as a team". I couldn't believe, since Ally and Alice constantly bickering and were polar opposites. Ally nodded her head, while Alice gave a toothy grin and saluted him. When he walked over to me, Sapphira's warning echoed in my mind again.

"Also...don't get too angry at Jake. He's been through so much."

There was absolutely nothing he could do that could anger me. Jake was a good guy. He was kind and helpful. Carrie and Natalia knew him for a long time, and they trusted him a lot. Everyone at camp trusted him too. Jake had a lot of friends and many people that respected him. Jake was a good guy. And—I'll ask again just because—what could he possibly do to anger me? The only bad thing he did was steal stuff, and that was for new campers like me.

"Good luck, Avril," Jake said. "Also, nice outfit."

I glanced down. The girls from the Siren cabin hooked me up with some new clothes to wear for the quest. When I told them I only had the clothes I've been wearing since I arrived at camp, they instantly dragged me to their cabin. Now, I was wearing a red tank top with a white skull on it, ripped-up black jeans, and dark grey combat boots. They said they were going to leave me a bag of extra clothes for when I returned from the quest. People were really helpful at this camp.

"Thanks," I mumbled. "Just hope I won't mess up."

"You won't," the blonde said. "You got some pretty awesome moves. You're gonna do great, Burgundy."

"Yeah...whatever..."

Just before we had to leave, Deamata and Overseer came up to me. Carrie and Natalia gave their parents a questioning look, but quickly dismissed it and guided the others to the awaiting train down in the Walker Express. I raised my brow.

"What?" I asked.

"Do you still have your skull ring?" Deamata asked. "The one that can turn into a sword?"

I nodded, slipping my ring off my finger. "I never take it off, unless I take a shower or go swimming."

"Good," the goddess sighed. "As the Chosen One, you must be given special items by the gods."

That did not seem likely. "Really?"

"No," Overseer said. "You have a god watching out for you."

That really didn't seem likely. "Who?"

"Our brother," Deamata said. "Cosmos, the god of life, creation, and order. He seems to favor you, and wants to give you these items."

"Isn't my sword enough?" I asked as I slipped my ring back on my finger. "Damn...I never knew Uncle Ade had access to magical items."

Overseer blinked, his eyes flashing with a dangerous light. Deamata nudged his shoulder, and shook her head. The god cleared his throat.

"Our brother insist that you must have these items," he said. "Now, first here are the pendants..."

Deamata held out two necklaces. The first necklace had a bronze chain, with a golden sun-shaped pendant about the size of my palm hanging on the chain. The second necklace had an obsidian chain, with a silver crescent moon-shaped pendant about the size of my palm hanging on the chain. The pendants glittered, and radiated a strange aura. I placed them around my neck, admiring them.

"Hot damn, these look amazing!" I beamed.

"The Pendants of Artemis and Apollo," Deamata told me. "The Pendant of Artemis gives the wearer some—but not all—of Artemis's abilites, like her connection with nature and her hunter instincts. The Pendant of Apollo gives the wearer only a few of Apollo's abilities, like his control on the sun and his prophetic senses. These were heirlooms in your mother's family that was lost during a war. Cosmos found them, and thought you could use them."

"Uh..."

"And, since you are a Hood after all, you need your own bow and quiver full of arrows..."

Deamata handed me the coolest bow I've ever seen. My mom had a collection of antique bows, but none of them compared to this one. The bow was made of wood black as ebony, and had wolves carved into the wood in silver. The string of the bow was made of gold, and shimmered faintly. The place where you would hold the bow had crimson cloth wrapped around it, and when I held it it felt just right in my hands. The quiver was made of leather colored black, with my mom's family crest on it. The family crest was a golden bow shooting a bronze arrow that was parallel to the silver crescent moon. The quiver was filled with bronze, silver, gold, and iron arrows with each glowing a different aura.

My jaw dropped, and I think I drooled a little as I slung the quiver over my shoulder and held the bow in my hands. I pulled out a bronze arrow and loaded the bow. Taking a deep breath, and pulled the arrow back. I aimed it towards the train station, where the others were waiting for me. I let the arrow go, and flew through the air. It hit the ground right in front of Natalia, and a giant green cloud engulfed the whole group. I doubled over and burst into laughter.

"Fuck," I said between laughs. "That was a fart arrow! HA!"

"That was...impressive," Overseer said. "I did not know the pendent could help you in archery."

"It doesn't," Deamata smiled. "Her family are the Hoods, remember? Artemis gave them her blessing, and they became natural and powerful hunters. They also have a special connection with nature and its animals, especially wolves."

"So..." I said as I slung my bow over my shoulder. "Are there any other items you need to give me?"

Sapphira soon came up to me, smiling sweetly. She held out a book, her eyes glowing brightly. The book was dark blue, and about a half a foot thick and a foot tall. In the middle of the book's cover, there was a black sapphire. Above the sapphire, the words "THE BLACK SAPPHIRE" were written in silver lettering. I stared at her, wondering how the hell could a little girl like her could lift up such a heavy book like that.

She opened the book, and I read aloud the page she opened up to.

"If you are reading this, then it is too late for you.

The Black Sapphire is a book only for the eyes of the Chosen One. A mere Inhabitant or another Dimension Walker cannot read it without the Chosen One present.

Chosen One, you must be prepared. We, the Fates, created this book as a history book and guide to help you with the coming journey.

Many have called us cruel and unforgiving; when really we only predict fate, not create it. Fate is not a person, but a powerful force that no one can control. Not even a Primordial.

Within these pages is information our mother, Ananke, and Diviners have gathered that will help you.

Please, read this and you will survive. If you don't...your fate has been sealed.

We wish you the best of luck.

—Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos

The Fates"

"Mother wanted you to be prepared," Sapphira said. "Usually, when a Great Prophecy is spoken at the same time a Chosen One is born, he or she must be prepared. Throughout their lives, the Chosen One is trained and must read from the Black Sapphire. But, of course, your mother didn't do this since she was afraid."

"So...I have to lug this damn thing around throughout my quest?" I asked. "That fucking thing probably weighs a million pounds! It'll rip my mother-fucking arms off!"

"Oh no," the Oracle laughed. "You don't have to carry it around. Turn to the next page!"

Rolling my eyes, I grumbled under my breath and flipped the page.

"When the Chosen One touches the sapphire on the cover, the book is tied to him/her. It can be summoned by simply saying the words 'Come to me, O Book of Fates'.

It can also be disguised if the Chosen One holds the book in both hands and thinks about what book he/she wants The Black Sapphire to look like."

"Well that was convenient," I muttered. "So...the book will just pop into my hands if I say 'Come to me, O Book of Fates'?"

"Yep," Sapphira said. "Now, touch the sapphire!"

The brown-haired girl slammed the book shut, causing a loud snap to echo throughout air. I cautiously placed my hand over the sapphire, giving Sapphira a look. The Oracle just gave me a knowing smile, and her eyes glowed. The book hummed, and I retracted my hand.

"Now go," Sapphira said. "Your destiny awaits, Avril-Drew Claire Burgundy. Oh and..." She gave a sad smile. "The prophecy will make sense as you go on your journey. Remember, don't be angered at Jake and—"

"Beware the Son of Pluto," I finished.

"Oh? Did I say Son of Pluto? I meant, Son of the Underworld." Sapphira chuckled. "My, his father and mother were very confused. Especially his father! Why, he had no idea his son had the powers of both his Roman and Greek forms. Plus, what happened with Lady—"

"Sapphira!" Overseer and Deamata boomed.

The Oracle shrugged. "Right...don't give away too much. You'll learn as you follow your destiny. Hurry now! You don't want to miss the train. Ta ta, Avril!"

I nodded my head, and waved goodbye. Walking down the hill, only one thought came to mind.

Who the hell was the Son of the Underworld?

/break\

The train had taken us straight to the Norrisville Historical Cemetery. It was late in the afternoon, a few hours before sunset. The Norrisville Historical Cemetery was located in the woods near the high school, which really made me wonder why anyone would build a high school in this location. The school was built upon an eight hundred year old prison next to a creepy swamp. Why anyone would want to build a place that would have young, irresponsible kids learning in it, I didn't know.

But anyway, the cemetery was located in a large clearing that was surrounded by towering pine trees. The cemetery was surrounded by tall stone walls that had vines and moss growing on it. The tall, bronze gateway was rusted, and the doors were permanently kept open. The bronze sign had sunken to the ground, making it reach up to my ankles. We stood at the entrance, looking at it uneasily.

"This looks bloody creepy," Alice said.

"Ditto," Randy shuddered. "I didn't even know we had this!"

"Hey Randy," I said. "You still have your British accent."

"Yeah...and this concerns you how?" he asked.

"We're not in the Reality Dimension anymore," I went on. "Is...is that a bad thing?"

"Would you like the sugar-coated answer or the blunt answer?" Carrie asked.

"Blunt," Randy deadpanned.

"Yeah...you stayed in the Reality Dimension too long," Carrie said. "Your Reality Check kinda...oh I don't know...changed you permanently."

"WHAT?!" Randy nearly screeched. He blinked a few times before breaking into a huge grin. "HELL YES!"

He turned to Nomi, grabbed him by the collar, and pulled him into a passionate kiss. My jaw dropped, blinking slowly. Alice let out a loud "squee", and started jumping up and down in excitement. Ally started fanning herself with her hand, blushing slightly. Natalia and Carrie looked confused, and shared a look.

Nomi pulled away, staring at the purple-haired teen in shock. "Wait...you are happy that the effects of the Reality Check are permanent?"

"Yes!" Randy said. "Before...I just felt like I was super dumb and a total shoob. But now? I feel...smarter and more mature. And I really don't like girls in that way. I mean, sure they're pretty and nice, but..." He took a deep breath. "I really like you, Nomi. I know, we said this to each other a lot back at camp, but...I think I love you."

Nomi's jaw dropped, and doodle hearts appeared around his head. Randy chuckled, and grabbed the red-head's hand. He leaned against him and rested his head on his shoulder. Nomi blinked, and slowly eased up. Ally and Alice sighed, smiling widely. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arm over my chest.

"Great...that's really cheesy and mushy," I grumbled. "Now, can we please focus at the task at hand?"

"Jeez, you got something against love?" Randy asked.

I narrowed my eyes. "Yes," I barked.

Everyone stared at me, shocked and surprised by my outburst. I just huffed, and stomped into the cemetery. I muttered under my breath, ranting and cursing. Call me a jerk, but I just had a thing against romantic love. I was happy for Randy and Nomi—really I was—but I just get really angry every time I saw some get their fairy-tale happy ending. Love was unfair, and had either really positive or really negative effects. I was so glad to know that the gods were real, so that way I could blame someone for all this. I could happily say "Fuck Aphrodite" or "Fuck Cupid/Eros" knowing that they were real and responsible for everything involving love. Why did love had to be unfair? Why did it have to be hard to get? Love was something I could never understand.

The cold air was calm and quiet, with the sound of the wind whistling in my ears. Stone tombstones and white wooden crosses were scattered all around me, with names and dates etched in them. Large, stone mausoleums were placed here and there, with moss and vines covering their walls. The pale moonlight shined down on me, making me realized just how late it had gotten. I looked over my shoulder, and found myself far from the entrance. How long have I been walking? Shaking my head, and continued to walk until a faint howl caught my attention.

I stopped mid-step, and slowly readied my bow. From the shadows, glowing red eyes peered out. From behind me, wolves slowly walked up towards me. Their fur was black as the shadows around me and their eyes were soulless, white orbs. They snapped at me, their jaws covered in crimson stains. Usually, I love wolves. But, at this moment, I was having second thoughts. I slowly backed away, keeping my arrow aimed at the wolves and at the glowing red eyes. Suddenly, I bumped into something and a pair of hands grabbed my shoulders. I yelped, and turned around.

In front of me was a figure. At first glance, all I saw was someone wearing a slightly big, black velvet cloak. The inside of the cloak looked like it was made of black, faux fur and the silver clasp of the cloak was in the shape of a skull. The large hood its face, so I could only see the person's mouth.

I blinked, backing away. The figure chuckled darkly, slowly walking towards me. It removed its hood and pushed back the cape of his cloak. The figure was a boy, about my age. He was lanky and so skinny that he was almost bony. His dark hair was unruly and silky. He had very pale skin, with the barest hint of an olive-toned tint. A silver skull mask was on his face, covering his forehead down to his nose, so only his mouth could be seen. From behind the mask, his black eyes glared down at me. When he saw the terrified look on my face, a wicked smile graced his lips.

The boy wore a long-sleeved shirt that was pitch black, with a silver skull in the center of the chest area. The pants were dark grey, with a few rips and tears. His lace-up, steel-toed combat boots were knee-high and black as onyx. He wore armor on the upper half of her body. The armor was made of steel—black as obsidian—with bone-like, spikes jutting out from the shoulders. He had on a necklace with a silver, angel wing-shaped charm, and wore a pair of dark grey gloves that reached up to his elbows.

"Well look what we have here," the boy said.

"Uh..." I stuttered. I quickly shook my head, and aimed the arrow at the guy. "Let me guess, the wolves are yours and those red eyes are your buddies."

"Somewhat," the boy smirked.

"Who the hell are you?" I barked.

"The name's Niccolò," the boy said. "Niccolò Guerriro, but you can call me Nick, sweetheart."

A wolf-like growl escaped my lips. "Alright then, Nick. FYI, I'm nobody's sweetheart."

"Aw...you can be mine, doll."

"In your dreams," I scoffed.

Nick snorted, and snapped his fingers. I whipped around, almost tumbling. The wolves growled sharply, and their eyes flashed green. They soon charged at me, barking and snapping their jaws. With a yelp, I let the arrow fly. The bronze arrow hit one of the wolves in the eye, and green mist came out of no where. The air filled with a nasty scent, causing me to cough. I quickly ran off, leaving the wolves behind. Nick cursed, and I could hear footsteps behind me.

"Crap, crap, crap!"

I quickly slung my bow over my shoulder, and headed towards the nearest mausoleum. Ducking inside, I hid in a corner and held my breath. Footsteps suddenly stopped, and I could see a shadow from the doorway. I shut my eyes tightly, silenting praying that he won't find me. My heart was pounding against my rib cage, and my stomach was churning. I never felt so scared and...relived? Was that the right word? I did't know. There were too many emotions bubbling in my chest, too many that I couldn't figure out how to describe it.

The footsteps started approaching the doorway. My hand quickly went to my ring, which quickly transformed into my sword. Gripping the handle, I steadied my breathing and awaited this Nick guy to attack. Finally, a figure entered the mausoleum and turned towards my direction. I shout out a defiant battle cry, and raced towards the figure. I swung my sword, only for a glowing white staff to block it. I froze, and looked at the person. Glowing purple eyes glared back at me, those eyes belonging to Carrie.

"Que se passe-t-il!" the French girl exclaimed. "What the hell! I'm not going to hurt you, stupide!"

"S-Sorry!" I muttered, embarressed. "I-I thought you were someone else..."

"Were you being chased by wolves too?" Carrie asked.

"Yeah why?"

Carrie pulled away her staff, and shook her head. "We tried to follow after you, but got sidetracked by a pack of shadow wolves. Those damn things almost chased us out of the cemetery if it wasn't for Randy using the Tengu Fireball. Bad news is that enterance is totally wrecked."

"Hopefully they'll never know who did it," I said. I paused, and took in a deep breath. "Was there anyone else with the wolves? Like, a guy wearing a skull mask."

"No, why?"

"That's the dude chasing me. Said his name was Niccolò...Guerriro.." I trailed off, a thought coming to mind. "Remember the part of my dream with the glass coffin? The one with the sleeping people and pile of bones?"

Carrie nodded her head. "That's the Coffin of Glass. The glass of the coffin is infused with water from the River Styx, River Lethe, River Cocytus, and the River Acheron. The sleeping people and bones...I don't know what to make of that."

"What's inside it though?"

"I honestly have no idea. Sorry, Avril."

I pouted, and shook my head. "Let's just get to that angel statue from my dream. Have you guys found it?"

The French girl smirked. "Follow me."

We got out of the mausoleum, and headed to the far corner of the cemetery. In this corner of the graveyard, the gravestones and crosses were more weathered and worn out. Tall, old willows trees casted shadows over the ground. I felt like we were walking around blindly until Carrie grabbed my arm and pointed to something. I looked over and saw the others standing around an angel statue. The statue was about twenty feet high, and made of pure white stone. The angel's wings were spread out wide, and made of black stone. The angel had one hand on its heart, and the other reached out in front of it. On the base, there were words etched in gold that said "GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN".

"The angel statue..." I whispered.

"We can't find a way to make the stairwell," Carrie said as we stood in front of the statue.

"The dead path to the Shadows," I muttered. "Dead..."

I scanned the statue, then pointed to a patch of flowers in front of the words on the base. "What about there?"

Ally looked at them, then gasped. "These roses...they're dead..."

Nomi and Randy quickly started pulling out the roses, revealing a old wooden door. We all stood around the door, looking at it in wonder.

"The dead path," Natalia said. "We had to go through a cemetery, which had the dead all around. And our path to the Shadows...is down there."

"How are you so sure?" I asked.

She looked at me, and her eyes flashed. "I just know, Avril."

Natalia looked back at the door, and reached down. Once her fingertips touched the wood, the door crumbled to dust and revealed a dark hole with a spirling staircase. Natalia gulped, and started to go in. Carrie tried to grab her, but the Italian smacked her hand away and continued to climb down the stairs. I quickly followed after her, despite Carrie's protest.

It was dark and cold. The only light came from the faint glow of my sword and pendants. Natalia walked a few feet in front of me, using a light blue ball of light as her guide. A voice suddenly spoke in my mind.

"I'm waiting for you, Avril. I cannot wait to meet you, and for you to meet my special friends..."

I was about to say something when the ground suddenly disappeared underneath my feet. Natalia and I started falling, and my vision went black.

...

Gonna leave you a cliffy cuz I love all you! :)

Hey guys, if you're interested, I made a litte side/backstory for this series. It's called "Angels" and that fic doesn't get much love. Not many people review, and you all know that I appreicate all the reviews I get! So please, go check it out and leave a review.

Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter! I hope this didn't feel rushed. I tried not to make it rushed. Review and I will see you next time!

~Ari