Chapter Three: Distortion

Over the next few days, Michael became more and more reclusive. He would wake up with a start covered with sweat, breathing quickly and seemingly confused as to where he was. His erratic behavior was becoming more and more obvious, which only intensified the fears of the Guild. Even Willow was finding it incredibly difficult to talk to him as he always seemed to be running off somewhere. Finally Willow surprised Michael around a corner and forcing him against a wall. She was especially perturbed about his behavior and needed answers now.

"Okay Michael, enough is enough. Tell me what is going on with you! I'm worried!" She demanded.

"It's Dalga! He's been…showing me things! Showing me things about my past! These dreams, only I'm awake, and they're real! It's like I'm there, in the past, and he won't let me go!" Michael rambled on like a madman until Willow attempted to calm him down.

"Michael, Michael, please, you're not making any sense! Slow down, tell me what's happening." Willow said in a soft tone, trying to get Michael to calm himself for the first time in several days. He took a deep breath, trying to get his bearings straight before continuing.

"Okay…sorry…it's just been so confusing. I've been having a hard time making sense of it all. Dalga, the demon inside of me, he's been showing me these scenes from my past. He showed me my birth, my father, his journey on the way to the Guild…it's all so horrible. He keeps replaying these scenes in my head, and then I hear his voice…shouting at me, demanding that I do something about it." Michael explained carefully. Willow seemed a bit taken aback by the story, she was beginning to feel the same fears the rest of the Guild was feeling.

"Michael…this is dangerous…are you sure you~" she was cut off again by Michael's frustration.

"He isn't dangerous! He showed me what happened to my family! People I thought I'd never ever be able to know! My father had to run away from his home! Away from my mother who he knew would be killed once everyone found out she gave birth to me! He died throwing himself in front of Skorm's attack to protect the Guildmaster! Protecting me! And why? Because the Mayor of Westcliff decreed that Heroes were witches and were to be killed on sight! He ruled over them like a tyrant, sapping them of their hope and dignity, and still does today! It isn't right! And thanks to Dalga, I can go there and finally get revenge for my family!" Michael shouted, furious at the visions he was forced to endure, "The only way…for me to get rid of these visions in my head, Willow…is to go to Westcliff and do what's right by my family. I've decided, I'm leaving tonight, and I won't be back until I've made him pay for everything he's done."

Willow could only stand there in shock as Michael unleashed his pent up frustration. She had no idea he felt so powerfully about this. It was as if he was a completely different person, and she wanted her Hero back.

"Michael…I don't think this is a good idea. I think that if you go down this path then the only thing waiting for you if pain and suffering…but I know I can't stop you, so I'm coming with you." Willow's words brought a smile to Michael's face for the first time in days.

"Thank you Willow, I can never thank you enough for your support. I have a few things to take care of before we go, but until then…please don't tell the Guildmaster about any of this. I know he'd try to stop me and perform the exorcism, and I just can't do that. Please Willow, promise you won't tell him," Michael begged, to which Willow nodded faithfully.

"I promise I won't tell Guildmaster James. You have my word," replied Willow. Michael smiled and ran off to his room to prepare himself, but Willow headed to the training grounds. She wasn't going to tell the Guildmaster, but there were two others she had in mind for this Quest.