Light and Shadow 14: The Mystery of the Gates

Light and Shadow 14: The Mystery of the Gates

The following afternoon, we finally decided to depart the Mortal Realm for good, our destination: Stanford Academy where the gate was. A bittersweet farewell to our familiar home, a sanctuary shielded by potent wards, marked the beginning of this new chapter.

We had delayed our departure a bit, allowing Mimi to finalize my school records while our home provided a safe haven during the turbulent night. I found myself drawn to the car’s window, my gaze fixed on the fading image of our home.

As we traveled, I couldn’t shake the feeling of anticipation and trepidation, a mix of excitement for the unknown and a lingering fear of the dangers that lurked beyond the veil of the mortal realm. The journey ahead, promised new challenges and exciting opportunities.

But as I looked at the passing landscape, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was leaving behind something significant, a piece of myself forever intertwined with the Mortal Realm. Relief also washed over me as I learned that Azriel was already with his family.

At least the weight of my worry had lifted, and I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. To shake off the lingering melancholy, I turned to Mimi and Nana. “Ladies,” I began, capturing their attention. “If the gates to other realms are closed, then why is the Mortal Realm the only exception?” I asked, curiosity piqued.

“You also told me that the gates to other realms are closed, meaning no immortals from different realms can cross over except for the Mortal Realm,” I mused, my curiosity piqued. “The Mortal Realm’s gate seems to be an exception. For instance, Elementalists like us can use its gate to enter and exit our realm, but we can’t use it to travel to other realms. It’s as if the gate possesses a unique intelligence, recognizing our origin realm and restricting our access accordingly.”

This intriguing characteristic raised many questions: Why was the Mortal Realm so special? What made its gates different from the others? And what was the underlying mechanism that allowed it to differentiate between realms?

Or maybe because of its history?

They chuckled at my eagerness, a fond smile playing on Nana’s lips. “I didn’t know you’d be this curious,” she commented, amused. I simply shrugged, my mind racing with questions. “The gates to other realms were mysteriously closed a long time ago,” Nana explained, “while the Mortal Realm’s gate remains open yet has limitations just like what you had mentioned. And the theory is, it is because the Mortal Realm serves as a nexus point for the Nine Realms.”

“Honestly, no one knows why: no one can explain this phenomenon,” it was Mimi this time, her voice filled with uncertainty. “That’s why the Mortal Realm has become an assembly point for the rulers of different realms. For centuries, they have been searching for a way to open the gates, but the places where the gates are situated are far too dangerous to venture.”

The mystery surrounding the closed gates was a puzzle that had perplexed the wisest of beings. The Mortal Realm, as the only accessible nexus point between the Nine Realms, had become a center of intrigue and speculation.

The rulers of different realms, seeking answers and solutions, gathered in this realm, hoping to unravel the secrets behind the closed gates. However, the path to discovery was fraught with peril. Those who dared to venture into these forbidden places risked facing unimaginable perils.

In the end, the tales of the gates remained unanswered.

“So, you’re saying that the gate of Mortal Realm is essentially a one-way portal? No other explanation?” I asked, intrigued by the complexity of the situation. “Once we’ve entered the Mortal Realm, we can only use its gate to return to our original realm…”

“Yes, since until now no one still can answer that mystery,” Nana answered. “It’s as if the gates have a consciousness, a knowledge of the realms and their inhabitants,” Nana mused. “They seem to recognize the essence of each individual, knowing where they belong and where they should return.”

The more I thought about it, the more I realized the profound implications of this system. But I guess it created a delicate balance between the realms, preventing uncontrolled movement and potential chaos.

By restricting travel to the Mortal Realm, the gates ensured that the other realms remained relatively isolated, protecting their inhabitants. However, this system also raised concerns. What if a powerful being, capable of manipulating the gates, were to gain control?

Could they disrupt the balance of the Nine Realms, unleashing chaos and destruction? Was that the reason why the gates closed mysteriously? As we continued our journey, I couldn’t help but wonder about the secrets that lay hidden within the gates.

They were more than just portals; they were guardians of the cosmic order, shaping the destinies of countless beings. A sigh escaped my lips as I just decided to listen to music, my mind seeking solace in the familiar melody of ‘Enchanted’.

As the lyrics washed over me, a sudden image flashed before my eyes: the face of that peculiar man, with his enigmatic gaze and mysterious aura, lingered in my thoughts. I froze, startled by the unexpected intrusion of his memory into my thoughts.

The juxtaposition of the ethereal beauty of the song and the enigmatic figure was jarring. It was as if the music had unlocked a hidden door, revealing a part of my subconscious that I had yet to fully understand. The more I pondered the connection, the more intrigued I became.

Was it mere coincidence, or was there a deeper meaning behind this unexpected pairing? I closed my eyes, trying to quell the growing turmoil within. The music, once a source of comfort, now seemed to amplify my emotions.

Was I truly enchanted to meet him?

As we arrived at Stanford Academy, the familiar sight of the imposing structure brought a sense of both excitement and trepidation. Our meeting with Headmistress Fe was brief but informative, outlining the expectations and challenges that lay ahead.

She also informed me that Azriel was already back to his home. I was relieved, however, my mind was preoccupied with the lingering thoughts of the peculiar man. The haunting melody of ‘Enchanted’ played on repeat in my mind, each lyric resonating with a newfound meaning.

This is absurd!

***