His cheeks didn't cool off during the ride. Will had never sat so close to someone — and certainly not to someone who was as mysterious and handsome as Onyx.

When they arrived at the building where the exposition was held, Will glided off the bike. Only now his feet were back on the ground and his body was no longer pressed against that of the other boy, he could think clearly again.

He thought of what Onyx had said when they took off. That he had gone through a lot. How did he know? Will hadn't said anything about his past to anyone.

After locking his Harley, Onyx turned toward him and studied his face. "You okay?"

Will swallowed. He still felt incredibly warm and these inhuman blue eyes didn't make things better. Yet, he did want to enjoy this day instead of fretting about what Onyx might or might not know about him. Gathering his courage, he asked: "You told me you understood my mother's concern after everything that had happened. How — how do you know?"

Onyx slipped his hands into his pockets and gave him a pensive look. "You're not the only one who's gone through a lot," he said. "I wanted to know with whom my little sister hung out, so I did a background check."

Now, Will felt curious. He however didn't dare to ask what Ivory — and possibly also Onyx — had gone through. He didn't feel comfortable around such questions himself either.

"And uhm — what exactly do you know?" Still a bit nervous, he intertwined his fingers. Having been stuck in the Upside Down for a long time, having been possessed by the Mindflayer... These weren't things others had experience with.

"I know you're not a danger to my sister," he said with a wink. "Whether it's the same the other way around, I have to figure out yet."

Confused, Will caught his glance. "What do you mean?"

Onyx lifted the corner of his mouth. "We're not here to talk about Ivory, are we? Or about the shit we've gone through?"

Quickly, Will shook his head. They didn't know each other that well. They were just here to look at an exposition, that was all.

They headed to the entrance. The museum didn't look very spectacular; it was a converted farmhouse. Onyx paid for their tickets, where after they entered a hall. A few old people walked around, but there was nobody of their age.

On tables and in showcases, weapons were displayed, now and then equipped with a tiny piece of text. Although Onyx told him he'd wanted to take him to hear some more cool stories, it turned out that he knew a lot about weapons already; how they were used and in what period. Will tried to remember as much as he could; he could use this information when building a new campaign.

"How is it that you know so much?" Will asked.

Onyx shrugged. "I like history."

They walked further. It was only a small exhibition; after twenty minutes they'd seen everything. Will felt disappointed; he liked to be around Onyx and the boy knew a lot.

"Come, I wanna show you something."

Something fluttered in his stomach as the older boy looked him in the eye. Will followed him outside, across a big patch of grass. Onyx headed to an old willow and sat down against the trunk. The tree was big enough to offer space for both of them. Before them, was a meadow. Will didn't know what was so special about this place and expectantly, he looked to the side. The moment his eyes caught the icy blue of the other, he forgot how to breathe. A blush crept to his cheeks.

The smirk on Onyx' face made everything ten times worse.

Quickly, Will averted his eyes. Onyx knew all too well what impact he had on him. He thought back to the time the boy had subtly led him on his lap when playing the synthesizer.

"I wanna show you something that's fucking awesome — tho it's kinda heavy. But I'm with you and I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Confused, Will looked around. There was nobody to see and this was possibly the most boring landscape he'd ever seen. What kind of danger could come for them in a place like this?

Onyx took something from the inside pocket of his leather jacket. It was a harmonica. In disbelief, Will stared at it. That was a pretty dull instrument...

The moment the boy moved it to his lips, he changed his mind. Notes floated up, wrapping their melodies around him. They sounded magical, bringing forth tones that didn't match with an instrument like this.

Will started to feel light in the head. His surroundings grew dim. Was Onyx trying to make him fall asleep? Vaguely, he noticed a caress across his hand. Immediately he widened his eyes, but his surroundings were still foggy. Colors flashed around him. A dull headache came up.

Suddenly, he could barely breathe anymore. In panic, he wanted to tear himself away from the magic that wrapped itself around him and tried to suffocate him. Something was wrong. Very wrong. He could feel it; he could feel a darkness he would always recognize.

It felt like dark strings glided through his mind and he started to scream. The Mindflayer — was it back? Thick tentacles winded around him; he wanted to scream but darkness invaded his mouth.

"Surrender to it, Will."

Onyx' voice sounded hypnotizing.

"I'm with you, you're safe."

Will froze. His fingers clamped around the fingers that were holding his. It seemed to be his only anchor, the only thing clinging to the light. He squeezed his hand. Onyx squeezed back.

Then, the shadows moved away, giving room to the light.

And to sounds, to images.

Before Will could take a breath, there was another shock to process.

Everywhere around him people were screaming, horses raced past him and swords were swung around. Arrows cut through the air; one, inches from his head. Smoke hung in the air; close to them, a house collapsed. High flames came out of the remains.

A cry got stuck in his throat.

Onyx pulled his hand away. For a moment Will believed his legs would give in because Onyx' hand had been his only stability; then, Onyx' arm glided around his waist.

"These are just images," the boy said. Nevertheless, he pulled him closer in a protectiveve way.

Will's whole body was shaking. "W-where are we?"

"In 1685."