Chapter XLV

The day following her conversation with Natalie, Lilly found herself once again filled with determination. After leaving the Hills’ apartment, she only became more convinced that she had to go through with her plan to give Natalie the gift of sight for her birthday. She knew she couldn’t completely ease the girl’s fears, but at the very least, it would allow her to see things she had never been able to see, if only for a little while. However, the plan would be dead in the water if Eric refused to lend her the gem, something that Lilly considered unlikely. Eric had never once turned down one of her requests and he didn’t think he would this time.

The real problem would be getting the idea past Damien, who still, to this day, opposed using the stone at all. In fact, each time Eric and Lilly swapped for fun, they knew they couldn’t tell him or else they'd be subjected to another one of his “stop using magic as a toy” lectures. Of course, she understood where Damien was coming from, but she still believed him to be a bit too paranoid. So, when she arrived in the clubroom at lunch and found only Liz and Eric at their usual spot, she felt a bit of relief.

“Hey, guys,” she greeted, approaching the two desks they sat at before pulling up one for herself to take a seat in. “Where’s Damien and Vinny? They running late?”

Liz shook her head. “No, they’re not coming today. Their history class apparently has some big exam coming up and Mr. Alexander was offering lunchtime tutoring to prepare. Since Vinny hardly listens in that class, Damien made him go. But they’ll be at club later.”

“Oh boy,” she muttered, imagining the look on Vinny’s face as he lost his lunch freetime to more history lectures. “Well, at least they’ll be here later. Was Vinny able to get the crystal ball from his sister?”

Eric nodded as he looked up from the math sheet he was working on. “Yes, Mia was gracious enough to lend it to us for the festival. And I spoke to Mr. Lowe this morning. He said he was okay with us doing a fortune telling booth.”

Lilly glanced across the room to where the club advisor was sitting at his desk, typing on his computer. He briefly looked at them at the mention of his name but, as was normal, he said nothing and seemed to decide just to pretend they hadn’t said anything.

“Well, I’m glad that’s all worked out,” Lilly said. “Fortune telling it is then.”

“Yes, and it should be fun,” Eric replied. “At least for the five people who actually bother to stop by.”

The boy laughed, then immediately winced as if in pain. He gently placed a hand against his forehead and grimaced.

“Having headaches again?” Lilly asked with concern.

“Yes, it would seem so,” Eric muttered. “They’re oddly sporadic though. They just happen at random and they usually don’t last long. It’s quite strange, actually. I’ve never had anything like it. Not to mention…” He paused, furrowing his brow in consideration. “Well, they don’t feel like a normal headache, though I’m not exactly sure how to explain what I mean by that.”

“You need anything?” Liz inquired. “I’ve got some water in my backpack if you want it.”

Eric softly shook his head and forced a grin. “Thank you, dear Liz, but I am fine. I’m sure it’ll go away in just a moment.”

Part of Lilly wanted to insist that he drink some water anyway, but she knew she’d be wasting her breath. Eric could be a bit stubborn at times and he seemed too focussed on his homework. She knew he’d just insist that he was fine and leave it at that. So, deciding that it would be best to change the topic, she quickly gathered her thoughts, preparing to propose using the stone on Natalie for her birthday that weekend.

“So, Eric,” she began, “could I ask a favor?”

He glanced up at her and tilted his head in curiosity. Liz, similarly, looked interested as well.

“Go ahead,” the boy replied. “If it’s in my power, I’ll do whatever you need.”

She couldn’t help but smile, always grateful with how trusting Eric was with her. No matter how much time passed, she didn’t think she would ever get over how amazing he was. There was a time when she wouldn’t have even considered trying to propose her idea, but now, even if Eric did decline her, she knew he wouldn’t judge her or ridicule her. If he did say no, she knew it would be with a perfectly valid reason. That was why she was able to press on with such confidence.

“So, you know about that girl I babysit sometimes, yeah?” she asked.

Eric nodded. “The blind one, correct? Natalie, was it?”

“Yeah, her,” Lilly confirmed. “You see, it’s her birthday this weekend and I wanted to do something special for her. She’s homeschooled and she doesn’t have any friends so her mother was telling me that the two of them were going to have a small party for her. They invited me, too, but I just thought that, maybe, we could give her something that only we can.”

She could see the bemused looks on both Eric’s and Liz’s faces as they listened to her talk. She knew it didn’t take a genius to deduce what she was asking. After all, she was asking Eric specifically, so they probably already knew that her favor was related to the stone. However, neither interrupted her, and so she went on.

“The thing is,” Lilly, said, “when I was talking to her last night, she was really down. The fact that she can’t see has started bothering her more than she usually lets on. So...I want to do something to help. For her birthday...I want to give her just a few moments to see. She wanted to see a sunset over the beach...so that’s what I want to show her.”

When she finished, Eric had a broad grin on his face while Liz was laughing softly to herself. Lilly didn’t want to come across as pushy so she didn’t say anything more, content to give her boyfriend a moment to think. Yet, Eric was only quiet for a few seconds before he spoke.

“Alright then,” he said. “Operation Give Natalie Sight For Her Birthday is approved.”

Lilly smiled, grateful that he was onboard. “Thanks, Eric! That means a lot!”

“You two,” Liz muttered to herself. “You really were made for each other. Though, I don’t mean that in a bad way. This would make the third person you helped with that stone, yeah, Lil’? You truly are a saint!”

Lilly glanced over at her friend and rolled her eyes. “Oh, shut up. I’m not a saint. I just want to help Natalie. She’s such a sweet girl and I want to give her something really special. We have magic so I say, why not?”

“So...you’re not a saint because you want to help her?” Liz replied with a wry grin. “Yeah, perfect logic there, friendo. That makes sense.”

“She’s right, though,” Eric interrupted before Lilly could retort. “First, you go out of your way to help Brad ace his test, then you risk your life to save Jay, and now you want to give Natalie a special birthday. I’m starting to think your grouchy persona from the beginning of the year was all an act!”

Eric and Liz burst out laughing at Lilly’s expense and, despite being teased, Lilly couldn’t help but to laugh with them. When they calmed down, Liz leaned back in her chair and eyed Lilly with intrigue.

“So? What’s your plan? You just gonna drag the girl to the beach at sundown or do you have other things planned?”

Lilly considered her question for a moment. “Well, I was thinking I’d take her to the pier first. You guys keep going on about how cool it is so I thought she’d enjoy it. Apparently, she’s never been.”

“You’re going to the pier without us?!” Liz exclaimed. “Blasphemy, Lilly Harper! Your first time was supposed to be ours!”

Lilly rolled her eyes once again. “Oh, relax. I was gonna ask Eric to come with us, too, but if it’s that big of a deal then by all means, come along.”

“Wait, really?” Liz asked, her joking tone from before fading into one of genuine surprise.

“Yeah, really,” she snapped. “Like I said, Natalie doesn’t have any friends and when I asked if she’d come to the pier, she wanted to know if you guys were coming. I’ve told her a lot about the legendary Magic Club. Though, I don’t want to overwhelm her with a bunch of new people so it would just be you and Eric.”

Eric chuckled. “I’m sure Damien won’t care but Vinny will certainly be up in arms.”

“Well let him,” Lilly replied. “This is important. I don’t want to make Natalie uncomfortable. I’ll just tell Vinny that we’ll go once summer rolls around. That way, Alice can come with.” She smiled sadly then. “And maybe even Jay, if we’re lucky.”

“Well, the important thing is that I’ll absolutely be there,” Liz said with a huff, puffing out her chest. “And that’s good because I’m obviously the most entertaining of the members. Natalie’s gonna love me.”

Lilly sighed. Don’t make me regret inviting you, Liz. Behave yourself, dammit!

“So Eric? Are you good to go with us? Natalie specifically requested you come, after all.”

The boy grinned smugly. “Well, if one of my fans has specifically requested me then I don’t suppose I have the option to turn it down. Of course I’ll be there. What day is it?”

“Saturday,” she replied. “I’m gonna pick her up and head over there at around ten in the morning. That work for you both?”

They each gave a thumbs up, and with that, the first step of Lilly’s plan was a success. Renee had already given her permission to take Natalie to the pier as long as she held her hand the whole way so everything was good to go.

I hope this works, she thought. I think giving her some time with sight might at least help her feel a bit better. And maybe getting to visit the pier will make her feel less like her blindness stops her from living in what she thinks is a “normal life”.

“Ah,” Eric suddenly grunted, reaching a hand up to his head once more. “Man, today's headache is persistent. I figured it’d go away by now.”

“Do you want to swap bodies for a bit?” Lilly suggested. “That way you can finish your homework without having to put up with the pain.”

The boy glanced over at her and forced another grin. “I think I’m—ah, damn!” As another spasm of pain seemed to shoot through him, Eric sighed sheepishly and nodded. “On second thought, maybe just for a few minutes. Thanks, Lilly.”

“Don’t mention it. I’m glad I can help.”

She waited as Eric reached into his backpack and produced the little orange stone from the front pocket and when he rose back up, he held the gem out to her. At this point, they’d used it often enough that it didn’t feel all that daunting to swap bodies anymore, and she was able to simply reach out and casually place her hand against its surface. Just as she had wished, she was yanked from her body and into the formless world. There was once a time when the place felt suffocating but there was now a comforting familiarity with it. The world felt almost warm and she enjoyed the few, brief seconds she spent there. After a moment, the world vanished…

...but when she opened her eyes, she wasn’t sitting in the clubroom.

W-wait…? Where am I?

She frantically spun around, utterly confused, as she tried to take in her surroundings. There was nothing in sight for what looked like miles. Everywhere she looked, all she could see was utter darkness. Below her, above her, in every direction. It was almost as if the world had been completely eradicated and she was the only thing left.

What’s going on? What happened? Where’s Eric?

There weren’t any people around either. Even when she looked down, she couldn’t see her own body. She could feel it and move it so she knew this wasn’t another formless world, but it certainly wasn’t the real world.

“Who are you?”

She jumped at the sound of the man’s voice, frantically spinning around to find its source. It wasn’t a voice she recognized and it sounded like it was coming from everywhere all at once. She didn’t know who it was or where they were, but she was thrilled to know somebody else was there with her. She opened her mouth to speak and was grateful that she was able to.

“Um, Lilly Harper,” she quickly replied, desperate to get some answers. “Who are you? Where are we?”

“Lilly...Harper?” the voice parroted. “So you mean to tell me that I am not speaking to Eric Reiner?”

Eric? What the hell?

“Y-you know Eric?”

“Hmm…” The man seemed to be considering something for a moment before he spoke again. “No. I do not. I just intended to speak with him. However, I can’t say this is a disappointment. So tell me, Miss Harper, did you try to swap bodies with Mr. Reiner?”

Lilly exhaled sharply. “You know about the stone? Wait, but...who are you? Where is this? I don’t understand! Are you real? Am I hallucinating this?”

“Who I am is unimportant,” he said sharply. “As for where we are, just consider it your mind. I am communicating with you from elsewhere. That’s why you can’t see me and it’s why I can’t see you. I take it this is novel information?”

“Y-yes…” she stuttered.

We’re in my mind? But...how? Who is this man? What does he know about the stone?

“I see,” he growled. “Then I suppose it would be dangerous to allow you to retain your memories of this conversation. I don’t want Reiner expecting us.”

“Expecting you?” Lilly felt a chill go down her body as she processed the voice’s comment, and all of a sudden, she found herself on edge. “Erase my memories? What are you…?”

What’s going on? The way he said that makes it sound like he plans to hurt Eric. I mean, if he was friendly then why wouldn’t he want to announce his arrival?

The warning’s Damien had been preaching since they first found the stone rose to the surface of her mind and she suddenly felt terrified of the man.

“And am I right to assume you are a student at West Wilham High School?” he continued.

“Um, I…”

She didn’t know what to do. Part of her wanted to tell him, hoping that cooperating with him would allow her to escape. However, if the voice was actually their enemy then it would be best not to tell him anything.

“Don’t want to answer, do you?” he snapped. “Fair enough. For being a magicless girl, I can at least respect your instincts. Then I don’t suppose you would reveal how many of you actually used the stone, would you? Or perhaps even give me a name?”

“I…” she breathed. “I don’t know if I can trust you. Who are you? I won’t tell you anything unless you answer my questions first! Are you the original owner of the stone? Is this magic?”

She heard him chuckle softly. “Well, I guess it doesn’t matter what I say. Fine, girl, you win. My name is Nigreos Noctis and I am the Master of Darkness at the Ijirian Citadel. And yes, I am using magic.”

She exhaled softly. Nigreos...Noctis? Master of Darkness? What the hell is he talking about?

“As for the gem,” Nigreos continued, “It belongs to Ijiria. I have come to reclaim it, simple as that. So, seeing as you have done nothing against us, we won’t do anything to you as long as you peacefully return our relic.”

“Reclaim it?” she uttered. “So you want the gem?”

“I do,” Nigreos confirmed. “That’s all we want. Ijiria has no need to harm you, Lilly Harper. So, tell us what we want to know. I want a list of people who used the stone so we can make sure it's magic isn’t negatively affecting them, and we want to know if you attend West Wilham.”

What should I do? she thought desperately. If this man is telling the truth then Damien was right.

Somebody was searching for the stone and it sounded like this man—this Nigreos Noctis—came from a place she had never even heard of. Should she trust him? Was there a reason to?

“You said the stone could negatively affect them?” Lilly asked. “How?”

“Well, it’s magic interacting with nonmagical organisms,” he responded. “Who knows what it’s done to them. It could potentially kill them, even. So, if you don’t want to risk your friend’s lives, I recommend you cooperate, Lilly Harper.”

“Their lives?” she exclaimed.

Wait, we could die from this? I can’t let that happen! Do I trust him?! Do I tell him what he wants to know? I don’t know! I don’t—!

Just as suddenly as she had arrived, Lilly suddenly found herself gone from that world and back in the formless one. For a second, her mind went completely blank, as if it had shut down. She stopped thinking and moments later, everything came back in a rush of sensations. Her thoughts began again, her sight returned, and she could feel her body. However, she found herself unable to move as she stared down at the floor of the clubroom where Eric was crouched on all fours.

“Mr. Reiner! Are you okay?”

The sound of Mr. Lowe’s voice was the first thing she heard as the man came bounding past her before kneeling down beside him. Eric slowly lifted his head, a weak smile on his face as he stared back at the teacher.

“Perfectly fine,” he grunted. “Just got a tad lightheaded, is all.”

Wait… Lilly thought. Why am I still in my body? Didn’t we just switch? I should be in Eric’s body right now. What happened?

She glanced around to realize that she was no longer sitting down. Instead, she was standing up beside Liz, who was looking back at her with a fearful expression. In her hand, she was now holding the stone

“Are you sure, Reiner?” Lowe pressed. “Should I call your parents or…?”

Eric shook his head, grabbing the desk to pull himself to his feet. “No, I’m fine. I appreciate the concern, Mr. Lowe. Honestly, I think I just need to drink some more water.”

The man sighed and nodded. “Alright. If you insist. However, if you fall again, I’m sending you directly to the nurse’s office.”

“Understood, sir.”

Still looking a bit concerned, Lowe turned and went back to his desk, irritably snapping at the group of students that had gotten up to watch to sit back down. Eric took his seat again and Liz did the same. For a moment, she quickly tried to gather her thoughts before doing the same, and she was about to ask what happened when Liz beat her to it.

“Lilly, are you okay?” she hissed. “What the hell happened to you?”

She frowned. “What do you mean? What happened with you guys? Why was Eric on the ground? Why didn’t we swap? Did the stone malfunction or something?”

Eric and Liz exchanged glances, which only served to confuse her further.

“Um, well, the thing is,” Eric began, “we did swap, Lilly.”

“W-what? What are you talking about?”

He shook his head. “Everything went fine on my end. I woke up in your body just like normal so I turned to you to say something and you were just staring into space with a blank look on your face. Liz and I both tried to get your attention but you just stayed quiet. Then, out of nowhere, you just fell out of your chair. I panicked, thinking something bad had happened, and used the stone again, hoping that it would do something. So I have to ask, what happened on your end?”

“I don’t…” She hesitated. “Nothing. I touched the stone and went into the formless world and, when I came back, I was still me.”

“So you don’t remember the last five minutes at all?” Liz pressed.

Lilly shook her head. “Yeah. It feels like it’s only been seconds.”

Eric leaned back in his seat and furrowed his brow. “That’s strange. I wonder what caused it.”

“Yeah, same,” she muttered.

The girl sighed, feeling that her heartbeat was racing despite nothing having happened. Oddly enough, despite having no recollection of what happened while she was in Eric’s body, she did have a feeling of what almost seemed like fear racing through her. However, no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t figure out what it was she was terrified of.

***

Nigreos Noctis raised his head, a broad grin on his face. Despite having once again failed to make contact with Eric Reiner, he didn’t actually consider this attempt a failure. Even though she had been wrenched from Eric’s body before he could truly question her, his conversation with Lilly Harper was worth the last week of torture trying to contact the boy. Not only did he now have a name to go on, but he knew as a fact that Eric Reiner possessed the relic. As daunting as his task now was, it was nice to now know who it was they were facing.

“So?” Album said. “You didn’t start shrieking and retching so am I correct to assume that you succeeded this time?”

When he looked up, he found his partner leaning against the wall, arms folded, as she regarded him curiously. “Yes and no,” he replied. “I couldn’t contact Reiner, but instead, I managed to speak to a girl named Lilly Harper who had been inhabiting his body.”

Album cocked an eyebrow. “Lilly Harper, huh? So then...Reiner does have the stone.”

“He does,” Nigreos growled. “And this Harper girl is somebody we’re going to have to erase. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get any information out of her though. Yet, this does intrigue me. It’s odd that I was able to make contact with Eric’s body only when somebody else’s soul was present.”

“I agree,” Album said. “That is odd. So that must mean that whatever charm has been placed on him is limited only to his mind. As long as somebody else is within him, we can make contact. It only makes you wonder...was this defense mechanism put in place by him...or his mother?”

Nigreos reached a hand up and rubbed his cheek. “I’m not sure. That’s the problem. We might know that Reiner has the stone but we still can’t be certain of his magical abilities. I still haven't sensed the presence of another magical-blooded person so it’s possible that the boy is the only magic user here. If that’s the case, then he must have made the pocket realm…”

“But that doesn’t make sense either,” Album said. “No teenager could ever do something that powerful. It’s completely infeasible. There’s a variable we’re missing.”

“There is,” Nigreos agreed. “And I can’t even begin to guess what that variable is.”

Album shrugged. “Well, for now, you should rest.”

“Agreed. And then, we can follow this lead. Had she not been taken from his body, I do think Lilly Harper would have told us the names of those who used the gem. I lied and told her that the stone might be harming them. If she thinks her friends will die and that we can save them, she’ll almost certainly tell us what we want to know.”

Album smirked confidently. “So you want to find Miss Harper?”

“Yes,” he replied firmly. “I want to find Lilly Harper.”