Rebirth

Chapter 19: Eternal Struggle

Maya wondered what energy Avalon could possibly be walking on. She could only imagine what kind of pain he was enduring—she was too afraid to ask him point blank. Every few minutes his hand would grasp his chest as if it was a habit.

"Avalon," Lang called out later on in the day, "Are you getting any signs of your origin?"

Lang had had to slow down to his pace.

"Now I seem to feel him every day, but he is nowhere in this forest. I believe he is in a place where there are a lot of people. When we break free of this forest, I'll be for sure."

"Alright, until then. We don't have too much longer for that."

And in fact, it was later in the evening when they finally came to the end of the forest. Lang looked to Avalon expectantly who seemed to be in more pain than usual.

"Yes, that has to be it, a very populated place in that direction," Avalon pointed.

Lang looked in the same direction and nodded, "If we keep going that way, we'll run into Karavia."

"Karavia," Avalon said quietly to himself, but soon continued forth with the rest of them.

They camped midway to their destination and once again Avalon fell instantly asleep. This time, May did not disturb him, but his condition did not seem to be improving. The Heal Leaf had not worked—how exactly could she bring him comfort?

The next day came suddenly and they were soon on their way again. Without much obstacles, they made it to the Karavian gate sometime around noon. By then, Maya had noticed Avalon grabbing his chest more often. It was all she could think about.

"Avalon?" Maya asked concerned as they stood before the gate.

"Sorry," he said between breaths, "He's here. I can feel it. Very close by."

Then time itself seemed to slow as a golden light began to materialize in front of them. Before they knew it, Igohl appeared.

"Avalon, I thought you were trailing me. No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get rid of you."

"Igohl, why don't you stop this already," Avalon said in a much stronger, clearer voice.

There was a determined look in his eyes. The kind that made Igohl think twice in rebuking him.

"Ah, that look. I haven't seen that in a while. You seem as if you have some sort of plan."

"Join me once again, Igohl and I will show you a world more beautiful than the one even you imagined."

Maya couldn't believe her ears. Was he actually betraying them? Lang wore a grim expression along with Kazan.

"What do you have in mind?" Igohl questioned.

"I need your trust and your strength for I am nothing without you. This pain that I feel is all because you chose to abandon me. Perhaps even I am to blame as I was too weak to keep you. Igohl, I want to show you something glorious that I have only now stumbled upon—I want to share it with you just as I have everything else."

"What is this thing you keep speaking about?"

"It doesn't quite have a name," he answered.

"You're bluffing, aren't you?"

"Do you intend to stay with this Dein and allow him to suffer because of it? You belong with me."

"I belong with whoever I chose, weakling."

"You're wrong," Avalon said closing his eyes, "I could make you come back to me, but I thought surely you'd come back of your own free will."

"What are you…?"

Igohl suddenly felt something pulling at the invisible strings he had with Dein. They threatened to snap as they became more and more taut.

"No! Stop! I will not be ruled by some weakling!"

"Igohl, all you have caused is pain. You've aided in corrupting my mind and blinding me from the real reason I was born, but even then I still do not hate you. Quit resisting. I know there's a part of you who want things to return to normal when it was just you and me."

"I hate you," Igohl spat, "I'll show you who's will is stronger."

Igohl ripped the invisible strings from the other grasps and Avalon suddenly fell to his knees in utter shock.

"Igohl…" Avalon gasped.

"What was that glorious new world you spoke of?"

"I wasn't…I wasn't…" Avalon gasped, but he couldn't get the words out as he began to cough. Little splatters of blood came forth each time.

"Weakling. A man who can no longer defend himself has no use of living. How could I belong to such a man? To think, at one time I called you master. Pitiful."

"Igohl," Avalon managed just as Igohl vanished once again, "I wasn't bluffing. I only wanted you to see the world through a different set of eyes," he said quietly.

His eyes fluttered as he threatened to lose consciousness.

"Avalon!" Maya cried out as she ran to him and tried to heal him with her origin.

"Hey, are you alright, Mr. Supreme," Lang asked holding out a hand.

Avalon took it after looking at it wearily.

"Look, we'll go into town and you can take a nice long rest. Don't worry we'll find Igohl again later," Lang said as Avalon stood up.

Avalon simply nodded.

"Don't go unconscious on me, alright?" Lang teased slightly.

"I'll try…not to."

Karavia was just as dry, hot, and busy as it had always been. As Lang had promised, they checked into the nearest hotel and set up lodging there. They purchased two rooms. One would have Kazan and Maya and the other Lang and Avalon. Lang was willing to spend a few days here for Avalon's sake so for most of the day Avalon was left to himself while the others went exploring. This was definitely a chance to upgrade one's armor and weapons.

It was quite sunny outside and Avalon had the blinds open. The warm hands of the sun felt familiar to him and he stared casually out the window into the clear skies. Sure he felt spent, but for some reason he was in a good mood. It wasn't until he really did begin to doze off when there was a knock on the door.

"You can come in—the door's open," Avalon stated in his clear, strong voice.

In stepped Lang from the sweltering heat of outside.

"I just don't know how anyone could stand it. You could die out there," Lang complained closing the door, "I hope it's not too uncomfortable for you."

"I don't mind it at all. This is where I spent most of my childhood."

"So, you really are from here."

Avalon looked at him questioningly.

"It was nothing…just a strange dream I had a long time ago soon after our first encounter."

"What about?"

"Well, it's kind of hazy now, but it seems like a bunch of townspeople were trying to—I guess they were trying to…"

"Kill me," Avalon finished for him, "Someone had seen my origin and everyone had already been wary of the elaborate tattoo on my hand. They struck at night when I was asleep and I had been quickly surrounded by a mob of prejudice, rake and plow wielding townspeople. And I was afraid and lost utter control of my power. I hadn't wanted to reveal Igohl in front of them, but I was trapped. Igohl had been trying to work through me, but I didn't have the presence of mind thus the strange cater you see out there."

"I see now, but the townspeople hardly seem to recall anything."

"Tragic memories are the ones first forgotten. Many people died that day and no one wants to dwell on these thoughts."

"That makes sense," Lang said with a nod. He paused for a moment, "There's something I wanted to ask you."

"Yes?" Avalon implored.

"Why are you…helping us?"

"On one hand, I don't really have a choice, but on the other, I simply want to."

"You mean something's forcing you to help me?"

"Lang, the truth is I only have a little less than 2 weeks."

"And how do you know this for certain?"

"Mrs. Henry might not have told you of the strange visitor who knocked on the door that night. I was sure it would have brought undue stress to her so I never told her just who or what happened."

Lang waited for the other to continue.

"Remember the dark specters who attacked me moments before your arrival at Yuno?"

"Yeah, I remember Maya telling me about it. The kids had seen them."

"Well, I suppose they were spirits and their leader came and wanted to inform me of what would occur. Apparently, because Igohl has separated from me, I am now vulnerable to any wandering spirit to fill that place that was once where Igohl was. She has kept them at bay as she waits for the most opportune moment. Fourteen is the magic number."

"First this talk about Mother and now these dark specters. Strange things only seem to happen to you."

"I take it when you were born you knew exactly who your parents were."

"No, but I don't think it really matters."

"Being a Mystic in general is considered 'strange'. I'd say if I were talking to any random person on the street, they would have dismissed this entire conversation. You're actually considering it."

"How do you know that I'm not just dismissing this as you speak?"

"Because you'd have to be a fool to do such a thing. Do you honestly believe I'm pulling this out of thin air?"

Lang's eyes narrowed as he said this, "We'll just have to catch back up to Igohl before that time. All you have to do is survive."

"Isn't the main objective getting Dein back?"

Lang sighed, "You really think I can just ignore your problems? Besides, if Igohl somehow returns to you then I can save Dein."

"But one must be prepared for the worst. Igohl probably will resist any notion of breaking bonds with Dein. He's quite set on getting what he wants—and his desire is stronger than mine. You saw what occurred today."

"Don't tell me you're giving up on me."

"No, I want to give you an alternative plan once this one fails. I want you, if all else fails, to destroy Igohl. Dein will still be able to be saved and you won't have to worry about a Supreme Origin roaming around free."

"No," Lang said shaking his head, "Ighol can't be destroyed. My origin isn't strong enough. He killed us easily when I tried to stop him."

"Yes, you can. The tables have been turned in your favor. Igohl compromises himself while being with a human who is inadequate to handle all of his power. He grows weaker just as you grow stronger every day. I don't believe he realizes this fact, but I don't plan on telling him that."

"Avalon, aren't you forgetting something," Lang asked solemnly, "Even if by some miracle I can destroy Igohl, what would become of you?"

"I don't know."

"You'd die, of course," Lang said in a louder voice, "Aren't you aware of that? You are asking me to kill you if you can't convince Igohl to come back to you."

"Yes. The primary goal is Dein. He is the one who needs to be saved—not me. I've already been given a second chance."

"And you're counting on the fact that Mother will resurrect you."

"No, I'm not. I would rather die in the end, but it is her choice."

"And you're content with this?"

"Yes I am."

"Then so be it," Lang declared, "I'm sure you know full well the consequences."

"Could you do me a favor?"

"Sure," Lang said with a raised eyebrow.

"Don't tell Maya about this. If she knew beforehand she'd do everything in her power to stop it and I can't have that."

"I understand," Lang said as he stood, "Well, I'll leave you for a while."

Avalon never said another word until Lang was about to grab the doorknob.

"Thank you for understanding."

Lang looked back at the once invincible Mystic, "Anytime."

Then he slipped out and closed the door quietly. He still needed his rest no matter what—even if he didn't put much stock into his own life. When had he become so sacrificial, Lang wondered. While Lang still disliked him, he couldn't stand anyone simply throwing their life away no matter how pitiful. It would be much easier to hate someone who didn't already realize that he was guilty. It hadn't been so hard talking to him just then. In fact, it had been rather refreshing. When was the last time he had spoken to someone who didn't try to size him up or compare him to themselves? For some reason, he could sense that Avalon saw everyone equally and himself lower than everyone else.

/

The group stayed there for two day as Avalon seemed to be in a coma-like sleep and Maya insisted that they didn't disturb him.

On Avalon's part, he had no bearings on how much time was passing. At moment of wakefulness, he would notice the sunlight and fall back into unconsciousness. He felt as if he was in an inescapable daze and he had no real energy to pull himself out of it. Then one day it was morning and he found that he was able to sit up.

It was just as hot as ever, but Avalon hadn't noticed. There was a balcony in the room he occupied and sunlight streamed through enthusiastically. Enticed and sensing that he'd been in this room for more than a day, he made his way out into the open air. Unbelievably, there was a nice breeze that ruffled his hair as he stood still in the sunlight. His eyes, at first unused to the natural light, scrunched at its intensity, but gradually he became accustomed.

His hair had grown a little since not bothering with the upkeep of it. He wasn't particularly concerned with it, but anyone who had known him before would notice it immediately.

"So, you're finally awake," said a voice that Avalon knew to be Kazan's.

Avalon looked back at him via the doorway. "I take it, it has been more than one day."

"Two days to be exact."

"To think that I've held you guys back for so long…" Avalon said turning back to the morning sky.

"Like it or not, you're a vital part of this group. You are the only one who can pinpoint Igohl's location. Don't think for a second that any of us are upset about how things are turning out."

Kazan had walked out to the balcony with Avalon.

"And you speak for everyone?"

"Well, some things are just obvious."

"How is Lang?" Avalon asked as he watched the bustling people below.

"What do you mean?"

"His eyes for one thing. It has become clear to me that perhaps he doesn't know his own strength. At some point in his life, he will gain full access to his power. The process is so gradual that it is virtually unnoticeable. The only physical evidence would be the hue of his eyes which by then would be completely crimson."

"Did you say completely crimson?" Kazan asked mystified.

Avalon nodded once.

"And you've told him about this?"

"He wouldn't believe it if he heard it from me. Perhaps if he heard it from you—someone he doesn't perceive as crazy—he may take heed and prepare himself."

"How would he prepare himself?" Avalon asked.

"Just being able to expect the change is enough. There isn't much you could do other than that."

"And this…This has happened to you?"

"Not in the same way. You see, I was born with fully awakened powers. Rather, it was more of a challenge controlling it. That was why I needed Igohl's guidance. Even then, I was never able to answer the question why—why was I born like this and what exactly was I meant to do? To be quite frank, it was easier simply to give in to the natural wants of someone who was always belittled and discriminated against especially when the only person you cared to listen to was rooting you on. Then I was suddenly surrounded by people who shared the same aspirations. Who could turn away from that? Perhaps Lang will be different. He has certainly been blessed with things that I wasn't."

Avalon looked at Kazan squarely and the other felt utterly entranced.

"He has friends who will point him in the right direction if all else fails. Please, for his sake, look after him and make sure he doesn't go astray."

"You speak as if…you're planning on leaving soon. Is someone after you Avalon? Is there something you aren't telling?"

"I think it's rather obvious that I don't have very much longer to live."

"Why don't you ask Maya to help you?"

"She has helped me freely, but even she knows that there's nothing she can do."

Then Kazan sighed as his eyes returned to the landscape before him, "It's a shame really. It was nice, even for this short time period, having you on our side."

"Likewise, I would have loved to have found my way to this point sooner."

"Don't give up hope, Avalon."

"Now you're speaking in riddles."

"Well, it seems as if you have resigned yourself to this death. Perhaps the Greater Powers may have mercy on you. Certainly, you've done enough for that sort of thing."

"Better to be prepared for the worst."

"I agree. It's never a bad thing."

Avalon looked at Kazan briefly and then looked to the sky. "Kazan, are we friends?"

Kazan grinned when he said this, "Wasn't that obvious? While I'm not entirely sure about Lang, Maya and I consider it so."

Could it really be true Avalon thought to himself. Was this truly what a friend was? It was almost overwhelming the more he thought about it. It was as if he was finding out that Santa Clause was actually real. In fact, Avalon was quite speechless after hearing Kazan's response.

"Well, in any case, Lang will be simply stoked once he finds out we can finally move on. I only wish I could teach you a few more sword tricks."

"I know next to nothing about swords and that Hanged Snail ran off as if his life depended on it."

"Dumb luck. You must've 'attacked' him with one of those looks of yours."

"What look?"

"The intimidating one where you're glaring and belittling the next person all at once. I think most people nevermind animals would run off in fear from that."

"Well, that's nice to know. I would hate to have people running off because of that."

"You used to wear that expression all the time back then," Kazan mused, "If you ever find yourself in a crunch, I guess you don't even need to unsheathe your sword."

Kazan stepped away from the balcony then, "Well, as soon as you've eaten and prepared yourself, tell me, I'll be in my room. Seems Maya and Lang had a few things to take care of in Tanza. We'll catch up to them soon enough."