A drum of misty-spectral fingers played on the long bar table, the humanoid hummed and continued to clean. The figure was much the same, as nearly their entire body was of white mist. Eyes slits of the color brass that waved with the movement of the veil of white.

Dawning a long trench coat, it swayed - a near uniform of dark colors that stood on black boots.

Shelves and stores behind the bar held countless lines of bottles that continued to shift their places by the many open gears that silently worked. The floor was plain, filled with just a dozen or so tables and booths. Lanterns hung on the surrounding stone walls, giving a warm light with the… cosmos?

The walls only ascended so far, their jagged tops appearing with an opening ceiling.

He stopped for a moment and stared at the night sky. Countless stars pulsed their brilliance, a few larger than but many grains of sand in the dark as many massed together. Comets passed, heavenly celestial bodies eclipsed as they made way, nebulas of great colors and chaos, as too was the void between the gaps…

“So much change, and yet… nothing means to be different from before.” A slight hum echoed in his head - a door manifested along a barren wall.

With a wave, the cleaning supplies disappeared and the tavern set. Adjusting its coat, it stood shy of the entrance, slowly the door opened and a small ring echoed through the room.

“Welco—” A slight bow, but his words were cut off as a body crashed to the floor.

Lifted a hand - the body floated off the ground and rose below the being's chest, while the door faded from the wall. With subtle power, the water was gone - a wave and the bandages almost came to life as they unwrapped themselves before disappearing into the air.

His fog of eyes sharpened, looking at the pale skin and near death. Power of different colorful mists collected in his hand as it opened and seeped into the body. The color of skin revived, some wounds would heal but most did not close as blood poured from the cracks onto the floor. More power - more mist… until the body was completely shrouded, but it was much the same, even the body started to crumble by the power itself.

The mist faded, the being perplexed as it placed its hand to peer within. Delving into the reaches and corners, Aether was corroding the body - creating great flux, Enir was shattering from an exploding star to a cold rock - while the energy cut and tore through its own maker. Deeper, still there was something… for a moment it could not understand until it saw all the horror…

Cutting off its own connection, What has this world done to you…

It pulled out a chair to rest its thoughts, wondering what to think - to do, with this one.

The others weren’t like this… I can’t solve this thing now… A year had passed since returning to this tavern, self-compelled to carry out a near-forgotten will… to give the discarded a chance to reach for greater heights.

Looking at the floating body, a distant memory echoed through his memory.

'Life is so chaotic, as we are, as they are? When everyone barred their fangs at us, we never faltered, but we did fall, we fell a lot. Looking back I think I wouldn’t have made it at all if not for the chances I had encountered, chances that allowed me to keep going. So I want to do this, whatever they are, we will give them their chance to make their worlds anew.' A chuckle into the fading background, 'Isn’t it thrilling, Sirius?'

“Oh… this is going to be a pain.” Sirius got up and held the body within his arms.

An archway rose from the floor, a portal enveloped the space within - the between formed a curtained veil as it only showed sparse colors of green and blue.

Sirius shook his head as he made his way through.

***

A botanical garden awaited, vast fields of vibrant flora and forests showed a mystical majesty. The deep blue sky and the warmth of the small sun that was stuck overhead would relax any who saw the sight. Choppy stone paths spread throughout the scenery, Sirius made his way down a lone path through a field of grass.

He gave the young man constant support as the mist continued to extend his life. The sight approached quickly as off in the distance stood a towering tree - reaching to touch the clouds with its branches. A handful of flowers surrounded the base all around.

The bark was light, twisted - coiling around and up to the crown. While the crown was split into three, leaves of one was that of brilliant silver, another was fractals of crystal glass, the last being that of vibrant green.

By the end, Sirius stood in front of the roots of the wonder, “Hello old friend.”

A gale blew from the rustle of the crown, as the ground quaked by the shifting roots while the air saturated with power.

Sirius raised a shield around himself and the body, “Calm down will you!”

His voice shouted out, as the disaster calmed to a silent wind. A sprout along the column of bark, a feminine figure adorned with the green - a gown of silver-hazel flowers comforted the body. Hair grew, the leaves and branches of the tree before weaving their appearance to the free flowing fibers - a Dryad.

The enchanting display touched down, as the face formed and a voice out, “Sirius?”

When the shield came down, and his full appearance was on display - a smile beamed on her face. She rushed to give him a hug, but she was a head taller, and when she tried he shifted his space and appeared just behind her.

She gave an offended look when turning around, “What?!”

“This is not the time for reunions, I need help with this.” Gesturing, he moved the young man off to the side.

There was silence, it seemed all subtle emotion was paused as the thoughts turned within the dryad's existence the whole of reality seemed to vibrate.

Rage grew in her demeanor, “Do you even know how long? Did you know what happened after you opened the Outer Gate?! With everything that had happened we thought you abandoned us for your insanity- Do you have any idea of it at all?!”

Sirius didn’t speak until the moment the rage settled, and the air stopped becoming heavy. “ I am nearly broken from experiences of things beyond myself. I need more time to come back to my own.”

A sudden shift in her demeanor, and a looming worry, “You hurt… of course, we must get you to recover and —”

She came close to placing her hand upon Sirius’s shoulder but he quickly swatted away, “Enough! Neither you nor your matriarch can solve this problem. It is with myself and I shall deal with it myself- Now will you help or not?”

Dejected by the outcome, she moves to the body with Sirius. “What exactly have you been doing?”

“I have been guiding the door and giving a chance for mortals to thrive where they would not.”

“And you come to me for this? Why would you need me when you could do a lot already?”

Sirius warned, “Take a look. But be wary, if you want to let this one die then say it.”

Placing her hand, and peering within. Has he really changed this much? I hope that he can return as he was before the Gate…

“I sense the Essence of the Forest, a child tried their best to save him…” A rustle of the crown and leaves on her hair pronounced joy, but as she continued her search more dread came upon her… Until she saw the source.

Her hands were shaky as her tears began to walk her form at the travesty she bore witness, “Who- would do such a thing?”

“Now do you see, I do not know what to make of this or where to go.”

Wiping the tears out of her eyes, her demeanor became serious and purpose unswayed. “I- don’t know if I can… well I can, but will this mortal be used for more than what has already been done. Will I be giving to something that seeks to be the antithesis of what I am?”

“I… do not know. But the door saw no one watching this one, seeing him falling apart he probably was cast out. Living just one the brink until today when he would die.”

“I need more than just the sight and will of a door for this Sirius.”

“It’s the only thing I have left Hawthrone, the only thing that allowed me to come back.”

She receded into her own thoughts, pacing in a small circle around. Another chance…

A smile dawned on her face, as she stopped, “Alright I can help. But you have to help out too.”

A low grumble came from Sirius, “I really don’t think I could be of much help. Besides, I have others to—”

“Are they going to die within the next passing stars?” She asked pointedly.

“Well… I don’t think they will, but—”

“Then you will let this one die for nothing.”

His voice became dull, “Is this really necessary?”

“How else am I going to have you stick around?” She began to float off the ground as the body was wrapped up in branches and carried off deep into the crown.

Sirius slumped and grumbled more, “This is really bothersome.”

***

Gideon dreamt of nothingness, he could not hear, speak, nor move - but feel and see. His will slowly faded as he resigned himself, but from nothing - colorful crystal shards flourished overhead. Varied were their shapes and sizes, clusters formed, arranged in patterns till they covered the emptiness with their array of colors.

Beautiful… He started at the tapestry of crystals.

Then, like a downpour, the shards fell - impaling, digging into him, Gideon tried to scream - to do anything to get away. It was useless, the pain made him feel useless - coming to the fore that everything in his life was meaningless for this end.

Pain, desire, and sorrow clashed within - thought the dream would fade by the distant screams. A dream, lived for mere moments, would be forgotten - but the emotions of helplessness and regret would echo throughout what he could remember about his new dawn.

***

Shooting up from his rest he looked to the small room, sleeping on the bed in the corner, a table, and two empty chairs in the center. His clothes had changed into fine clothing while wearing sturdy shoes within the bed.

Everything seemed off - for him and his last memory, of a dark door until it all paused as he looked up to the otherworldly sky. Immersed by the sight, he took a mental breath in wonder as his gaze descended - a being of mist was now sitting in the far chair.

Gideon scurried his back to the wall, not taking his eyes off the figure.

It motioned its hand to the other chair, “Sit.”

Afraid, though he felt his wounds healed and the pain, gone but deep scars still riddled his entire figure. He did as he was asked, and sat across the being - though slightly fidgeting and looking away from direct sight.

“You have caused a lot of trouble for me.” The being spoke coldly, sending a slight shiver down his spine. “But I’ll get right to the point, you have two options Gideon - death or bargain.”

“How do you know me…?” Gideon was dumbfounded.

“I will not entertain you and your questions. Know that you are alive because of someone else’s work and that a deal is made to be struck. Will you accept the bargain?”

“This doesn’t seem like much of a choice.” Gideon slumped.

“Well, here’s the bounds.” The being pulled out a strange coin; outlined in a silvery metal with a moving stary-fog within the center. “This will be the word of our deal.”

Sliding the coin across to Gideon, as he picked it up it disappeared within his palm. “Where… did it go?”

“It will always be with you- and you are able to come to this place twice more, use it sparingly. But you need to be alone, and when I say alone, I mean alone from everything- everyone. Not even a god can be seeing you if you want to summon.”

“Are… you a god…?” Gideon was astounded, but a clasp on his breath made it difficult to get any more words.

“I am not and do not interrupt again. If you miss one thing, I cannot guarantee your safety outside this box. Do you understand?” The being placed emphasis, and Gideon nodded as he caught his breath remembering to pay close attention. “Vicrot, whatever you want to call it. It is no more, you are able to live a life with an opportunity just as anyone else.”

Gideon’s mouth was slightly agape as he took the words to heart.

“However since you have been cured, and given a chance a price must be paid for the toils. Understand?” Gideon nodded, “Four conditions; one you will not speak of me nor the coin, though you can of the deal. Two, you will not enter any divine ground or temple as you would call it from a Low or higher God. Three you will meet with the Satrae; Minerva, and relay a touch. Just a simple hand will do, for a boon to be given. Last, if you come into contact with a certain piece or come to a grand favor that will pass to me.”

“Uh… I can do that, but what of the last one?”

“It will not come into play unless you become extremely fortunate. One grand favor will be taken, but the search for the piece will remain.”

“What is the piece?” Gideon inquired but was only met with silence. “Then how am I supposed to know what it is?”

“I will tell, and if a favor is to be passed then you can consider yourself momentarily free. I will still watch but not demand anything more and if another is given or found then you shall be rewarded.” The being said with a hint of glee.

“...then what will happen if I break this?”

It took a moment, “You won’t be able to speak out of bounds regardless of how much you attempt. I’m sure you will do three, and four if the time comes. But If you knowingly act on two then you will die, and if not - then you must run - run as fast and as far as you can.”

The ominous words made Gideon shutter and nod.

“Good.” A wave and a door appeared to the wall near Gideon, “Though allow me to give you a personal warning. Do not let your wounds show your bones.”

“Wait, What?” Gideon wanted to ask more but the being faded into mist, leaving him alone.

The door was the same, but he felt different - the first spark of excitement dawned and overcame the abrupt deal. He rushed to the door and disappeared from the space.

***

It was night, Elric was at a far tavern that few would come - Minerva was hooded, a weak illusion underneath. Having lost the boy more than a week ago they lost themselves during the time. Drinking, reading, diving into their work with vigor to the Guild’s gratitude but their detriment.

Elric no longer slept at Minerva’s, resolving himself to an inn near the Guild. But he came to her a few days ago, as they agreed to have a drink and talk about their shortcomings… they didn’t really have anyone else.

“Anything new today?” Elric said somberly, taking a large gulp of his pint.

“No, the same. I did some crafting of potions but I don’t feel like I did much today. You?” Minerva replied much the same.

“I’ve just been at the Guild reading, I stopped my runs a day ago.”

“Are you holding out okay?” She turned to look at him.

“...I’ve noticed my constitution has been more unstable than before, though there is nothing anyone can do.”

“Are… you going to end it here…?” Minerva showed her sadness.

“I don’t know, maybe another year or two. I don’t want to die as I am, I’ll just go off somewhere deep in the freelands and battle something out of my rank.”

“That’s —” She jumped up from her seat suddenly. “Someone entered my abode.”

Elric threw some copper on the table and bolted with Minerva, as they ran through the streets.

Until they arrived they prepared themselves as they made their way down the steps.

Elric whispered as they approached the balcony, “Why didn’t the traps go off?”

“Either we are dealing with someone with considerable strength or we…” She looked over to see Gideon sitting at one of the alchemical stations. “They’ve been accepted…”

Minerva jumped over the balcony and landed with grace as she rushed to give the boy a bear hug. Elric stood up his mouth agape and sword down, seeing the boy struggle within her grasp.

“I can’t breathe!” Gideon wiggled out of her grip as Minerva just stood there in a daze, her illusion fell and Aether started to coalesce around her.

Elric sensed a descending pressure, all the plants that lived here hummed and rustled in a great dance.

Gideon bolted to where Elric was, “We need to go!”

Elric didn’t hesitate to follow as he took a single look back at Minerva - her body growing with more Aether as all the plants grew and wrapped around her.

Rushing past the rumble, Elric and Gideon were just outside.

“What just happened? Why the hell are you still alive?” Elric asked.

Gideon turned with a hurt look, “Wow… you're a terrible person.”

Elric, halted before frowning. “You know what I mean. Be straight to the point.”

“I made a deal. And I got to live my life.”Elric was shocked

“...You made a deal? With what?” Elric took hold of Gideon’s shoulders, “What deal have you made?! Have you sold your soul to the demons?!... What did you do to Minerva?!”

“I can't say anything like this?!” Gideon yelled as Elric got control of himself once again. “Can you listen to the story or are we just going to wait for Minerva?”

Before he could even speak more, the wall opened as it did before - they turned to each other as they made their way back down. Arriving again - they stared at the immaculate figure in the center of the room. A dress of green-blue and leaves changed their form to an otherworldly display that only one would know if he was awake.

Minerva smiled in her new form as she looked to them, Gideon came down - but Elric was still entranced and wary of the changes.

“You have met someone very special,” Minerva said to Gideon, before turning a bit somber. “I couldn’t heal you even with everything I had… I don’t think anyone else could.”

“But I am alright now, and you tried at least. It was more than anyone else has done for me so far.” Gideon smiled a bit, making one in turn.

Minerva turned her gaze towards Elric as she exaggerated playing with her hair, “Aren't you going to come down and tell me I’m pretty.”

Giving a resulting grumble, the three reunited.

Elric, “What happened?”

Minerva put a finger on her lips and little hum, before throwing your arms out and giving a wide smile. “Can’t tell you.”

“What is wrong with you?” Elric looked to Gideon, “Who did you make the deal with for Minerva to become like this?”

Gideon shrugged, “I don’t know. It was either I get to live or —”

His talk was halted by a sudden slap across Elric’s face, he, in turn, looked in bewilderment at the culprit.

Minerva, “Shut your mouth and listen for once.” Elric frowned but said nothing, “There is nothing wrong with him, or me. I feel better than ever, and have been given the chance so few Druids can even dream of.”

“What dream?!” Elric protested and pointed to Gideon, “This guy could have made a deal with something, and I can guarantee that he doesn’t know what demons are. How would he, we, know anything about what he has done? Not to mention the Vicrot, Holy Texts, curse —”

He was slapped again, “Stop. You say one more thing and I will slam all the life in this room on your head.”

Minerva gathered to press just Elric, as her entire body came to life. Hair fluttering and leaves give an imposing glow.

Elric was dumbfounded by the strength, as the sudden rise in power of what he knew. “You… rose to Bronze?!”

Her power descended as a smug rose, “No. Sadly, It was just brought up to Peak-Obsidian.”

Elric was still stunned, while Gideon looked on in confusion. “What is going on?”

Minerva, “Oh. I guess I didn’t tell you my rank… I would have placed myself at Fair-Obsidian before if I was being generous. And now I am Peak.”

Gideon was still confused, “Is that a lot?”

Elric, “Is that a lot… Is that a lot?! I’ve never heard of such a jump in power at this stage. Sure at Cane, Stone… even Iron maybe, but this…” He held his own head in frustration, “Aarrr… What the hell is going on?!”

Minerva sprouted a table and a few chairs as she took a seat, “We need to talk then. Gideon, you can start.”

They all gathered, and Gideon went on to explain the deal of the supposed being. But he kept the details of the being and coin to himself as was said.

Elric, “Are you sure you are just going to die?”

“That’s what was agreed? Why?” Gideon replied.

“Because this doesn’t happen, not even with gods. They would ask for life and afterlife of servitude, or just outright ask for your soul to be auctioned to them.”

Gideon, “but nothing like that happened. All I have to be is… I guess… a lookout?” shrugging.

Minerva, “It's quite alright. You are free and we will be here, but there is something more important that I must say… Elric.” She reached out her hand to grab his arm, and as she would never give up this chane. “I can heal you now.”

Elric was in a momentary daze, “What?!”

“It won’t be perfect at the start, but it'll stop the decay and you could even grow again. But I need a lot of time and materials in order to help.”

Too much has happened quickly, and the influence of greater things beyond this city - beyond all that he knew caused him a lot of stress. He began to leave but the moment he moved, Minerva gripped his arm tighter, while the chair sprouted more to keep him in his seat. He looked into her eyes, as they were brighter than ever before - as he saw the day they met, of the day she made a vow.

They exchanged glances, emotions fired back and forth rapidly, as Elric began to brush off the warnings within his mind. Looking to the only person that tried to help him in his life, resigning himself of his own fears and letting the kindle of hope come alive again.

“Alright…” Elric agreed.

Minerva jumped for joy and celebrated in a little floral dance, “We’ll start tomorrow. I have to get everything ready, and call in my favors from the Guild.”

She quickly ushered them away as they stood alone - back in the alley. It was far late, the moons passed their peak and an uncontrolled laugh rose from Elric.

Gideon took a step away from the crazy man, though when he stepped into the light - tears flowed down his face, and a smile that bore to all the hardships shone brighter than the sun.

He only spoke for Gideon to follow, as they made their way to a distant in - of which he would remember, ‘Irron’s Inn.’

The clerk was tired as they kept watch with a little light that stood over the desk.

Elric approached, “I would like to add another person, and switch to a double room.”

The clerk looked behind to see the kid, “You know this guy.”

“Yeah?” Gideon replied calmly, as the clerk shrugged.

“2 and a quarter silver; for the change in rooms, added person, and meals.” Elric retrieved the price, as he traded with the key from the clerk.

Their room was on the first floor, and while Elric gathered his things from the second they made their way to a plain room. Two beds, two chests, and a nightstand with a candle half burnt.

“I’ll show you where you can clean yourself in the morning, so just call it a night tonight,” Elric said as he placed his pack of things into his own chest and took off his clothes for change to sleep.

Gideon had nothing, as he got under the covers - the moonlight shone through the single window off on the other side of the room.

He looked to Elric, who was staring at the ceiling, “What are you thinking about?”

“A lot of things, but mostly about tomorrow.”

“Why are you doing it now and not before?”

Elric took a breath, “Minerva might be one of the most brilliant people I ever met, but even she failed me many times, even bringing my death closer… This time, I never saw her so confident and with everything that just happened, one more chance won’t matter in the end for me.”

“Do you not think you're going to get better?”

“I don’t like to raise my hope too high for it to crash.” Elric lied to Gideon but mostly to himself - trying, failing to restrain expectations.

“I’m just asking if you are better, what are you going to do?”

Elric turned his head, “Why all the questions?”

Gideon turned over, “I’m sorry… I’ll go to sleep.”

There was silence for a few minutes, as before Gideon went to sleep.

“I was once like you.” Gideon peeked over his shoulder, Elric looking to the window. “When I was young, I came across a few adventurers, they weren’t anything common outside this city. They had tales to tell of their Adventures that settled the hands of powerful people and creatures alike- They were loud, powerful, and fair, but most of all… they were free.”

“Free?” Gideon felt a deep connection to Elric’s passion to the word.

“Yes… I want to be free to be an Adventurer.” Elric said, with a soft expression. “That is the dream I don’t want to let go.”

Gideon quickly fell into slumber as Elric did his best to close his eyes and quell his emotions as the long day came to an end.