Janus

Darkness surrounded Janus on all six sides. He stepped forward carefully, seeing that he was walking on water. It was as black as the night sky. A light was enhancing his sight but looking around, he couldn’t see where it came from.

“Mica!” he yelled, hoping for some kind of sign. “I know you’re there, could you help me find my sister?” Janus continued to slowly step forward and realized his feet were submerged in water, the plops of his footsteps were the only thing he heard. He thought about the last words he said before he heard the voice. Tell me how to win the game. Suddenly, a light shone above his head that Janus thought was brighter than the sun. He used his arms to shield himself from it, but it was no use. I’m dead, I’m dead, I’ m dead. Then, the figure flew down from the light, dropping down into the water with no sound at all. It was as if they were weightless.

“Janus,” the voice said delicately, as if his name were precious. “It’s been a long time, though we don’t have much of it now.” The light had ceased and Janus lifted his head, glancing up at the person. There was a girl a few years older than he was. She had her long, brown wavy hair down and was wearing a white gown with a golden masquerade mask that covered the right side of her face.

“Mica?” he breathed in astonishment.

“Yes, it isn’t the first time you’ve seen me, don’t be so surprised,” she smiled.

“But it is the first time I’ ve seen you so clearly. Normally you’re just a voice in my head and a figure wrapped in light.”

“Yet you still know it’s me,” she nodded.

“Of course,” he smiled. “I'm sorry to break the moment but where am I?”

“When you usually see me you are in a state between consciousness and unconsciousness. However, as of right now, you are in a state between life and death,” she said quickly. “Do you remember what happened?”

“I'm not sure. It was like something else had taken over my body. Like I myself was no longer in control,” Janus explained.

“An eudaemon. It can bring you to this part of the world, but you have to know how to control it. An eudaemon is a good demon in greek legends. It can protect you and lead you to making good choices even when I'm not there.”

“How do I control it?” he asked.

“I’ll teach you, but the only thing you should know right now is to find out who you’re up against,” she said her voice fading. “You can’t build your walls too high or no one will be there to help you. If you want to save Titania, you have to take a different route,” Mica smiled, her body slowly dissolving from her feet up to her head.

“Mica!” Janus screamed, pleading for more answers.

“Janus, when you wake up, you’ll find that you’re under water. Stay calm and let the spirits guild you,” she said sternly before her face faded and darkness surrounded Janus once again.