Chapter 12: Welcome to the new world - Fly again
Eren looked up at his clock, 11:11 PM.
'I can't sleep'
For the last hour and a half Eren had been rolling around restlessly in his bed, thoughts bouncing around his skull like a rubber ball. Thoughts of the day past, what the future holds, Emi's feelings and of course the strange encounter on the stairwell, replayed in his mind.
'They seemed to be acting like they owned the place. What has this neighbourhood become?' His train of thought continued to loop, going nowhere fast.
Washed with darkness, Eren crept out of bed, avoiding the creaks in the wooden floor, taking each step with care. Peeking out the living room window. The moon was full and bright, illuminating the empty street below; all lights off and silent, a peaceful ambiance in the dead of night.
Exiting into the crips air of silent night, Eren took a deep breath, letting the fresh scent fill his lungs. Jogging up to the roof; a favourite spot of his from when things got too much; the highest vantage point for miles. What he really came up here for, the stars. Millions of twinkling dots filled the heavens, stretching out as far as his eyes could see, giving off a soft blue glow.
The one saving grace of the deadlands was its occasional breaks in clouds; a glimpse of what lied above in the cosmos.
After witnessing the beauty of the deadlands for the first time; from that day forth Eren swore to never take the beauty of the world for granted ever again; a single speck amongst an infinite ocean of space. 'A drop in the pond.'
A quite rustle broke Eren's reverence, a small bird perched on nearby railing, head cocking from side to side; studying the white-haired male.
"Hello, birdy." Eren spoke softly, greeting the creature. It continued to stare, its large eyes almost luminous in the moonlight. Without so much as a tweet, it took to the air, circling Eren a few times; a strange beckoning for him to follow.
"Alright... I'll bite." It wasn't like he had anything better to do, and the bird—small and strange as it was—felt like a welcome distraction from the thoughts racing in his mind.
'I've always wanted to do this...' The small bird gliding ahead, leading the way. Eren running, leaping off the building, twirling in the moonlight, falling through the sky like a star. Landing with grace on the building across the way, a sense of thrill shooting through his veins; wind whipping his hair.
It was exhilarating. Freefalling through the air with no fear. Following the bird through the streets. Leaping across rooftops; parkour-style, dancing through the moonlight. Chase increasing with each obstacle, never fearing the height, always landing with a quiet thud.
The end of the line; The final building ended; his guide had stopped leading instead, waiting. Fluttering in midair. Eren slowed, scanning the area in front of him, a chain link fence surrounding a derelict subway entrance. Unreadable signs posted every few yards, warning anyone trespassing to stay away.
The bird chirped, before vanishing into darkness. Hesitant at first, Eren jumped over the fence, descending into the abyss. Dust, rubble, rust and dirt clogged the ground. Old advertisements flittered along the walls, long forgotten, covered in mould and mildew, obscuring their faces.
In the distance, a light approached. A silhouette came into view. Taller than himself; cloaked in heavy jackets, unkempt beard emergent from his face, with a heavy hood shrouding his features. In his hand a lantern swinging to and fro, illuminating the hallway in dull orange light.
"Follow me." Voice deep and calm. Not someone that one would want to encounter in the still of night; however, Eren's instincts didn't send up any red flags, trusting to follow.
The man remained silent, Eren following close behind. The only sounds echoing in the tunnel, were of their boots and lantern swinging. Lights grew in the distance. Brightness washing the tunnel in vibrant yellow light, silhouettes of figures drawing clearer.
All dressed in similar fashion; worn rags with fur lining, thick winter jackets, faces obscured by cowls. Those that were visible, downtrodden keeping glances firm on the fires, unwilling to acknowledge the two men approaching.
"Who are they?" Eren asked curiously.
"..."
The gruff guide gave no response. They appeared homeless however, something was off. Some radiated immense power, unseen waves emitting from them like an aura.
'Rankers?' Eren thought.
The gruff guide stopped abruptly, pointing to a metal door, decay had not impressed on this door, well-kept and free.
"In there." Without a word of goodbye, the man turned around disappearing into the camp.
Eren apprehensively approached the door, gently opening it.
---
Bright light flashed, blinding him for a moment. Soft candlelight flooded his vision; walls of books lined up neatly against the walls. Floor to ceiling oak bookshelves covering the library. Thousands of texts, illuminated by the candles floating mid-air, the aroma of sandalwood
Meticulously placed maps, charts, tapestries, and artifacts hung from the walls, elegant in design and rich in colour. Elaborate woodwork framed the objects in place, paintings depicting events and characters of past stories, bringing to life the grandeur of another time.
So many things drew Eren's eye, but the biggest draw was the figure sitting centre; engrossed in many papers neatly ordered in front. Blonde hair cascade past slender shoulders. Hair that rivalled that of the blonde Lucifer, surely which would make him jealous. Pointed ears peaked out, framing a handsome face. Golden eyes glanced up briefly, acknowledging Eren's presence; a warm smile spread across the stranger's lips.
"Ah. So, you have arrived, Reaper. Welcome." A voice of honey and silk. "Please take a seat." With a graceful wave, the man gestured towards the chair in front of him.
An oddly shaped chair, narrow back that reached high to the roof. But it was comfortable, so very comfortable. Eren nestled deeper into the soft cushions, he could spend the rest of his waking life in this chair.
"Who... are you?" Eren muttered, finding it hard to take his attention off the comfort of the seat, focusing on the matter at hand.
The man chuckled, placing the papers to the side. "You may call me Baelor. I will be your benefactor on this waking plane."
The bird from before landed on the elves' slender shoulder, perching itself proudly, chirping its song. "You were the one leading me here?" Eren's eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"I did, it was prudent that we met without drawing to much attention. Thank you little one." With a small finger wave, the bird vanished into moon shade dust.
"It seems we have much to discuss, Reaper." Eren's eyes narrowed once more.
"How do you know who I am?" Baelor's smile didn't falter, golden eyes held Eren's own.
"I was told. You see, a bargain was struck between your kind and myself. The fates have agreed to let us be allies."
"What?... who, who told you this?" Confusion swept across Eren's face. Baelor smiled warmly.
"Ah. You have known him as Death."
"May I?" Baelor asked gesturing towards Eren's ring. Hesitantly, Eren extended his hand. His body stiffening.
"Do not worry Reaper, I mean you no harm." The elf carefully inspected the ring. Hands like velvet holding his, guiding his finger along the band; eyes observing the engravings.
"This ring... a mere child's fable from my people, long thought to be a legend of old." His soft fingers explored the craftsmanship.
"Has it spoken to you?"
"Not really... only whispers and feelings. Nothing tangible." Eren's hand returned to his lap.
"Hmm. I wonder why... Ah. My apologies, where are my manners, would you care for some refreshments?" Eren's throat felt parched, like a dry lakebed, nodding in reply.
"Wonderful!" With a flick of his wrist, a silver tray floated its way over; upon its platter was a porcelain pot; delicate tea steam wafted into the air, tantalizing the nostrils. Accompanied by a dainty white teacup, embellished with small purple flowers, matching the tablecloth.
"Qenya, a popular brew among my people." Baelor poured the beverage into the cup, handing it to Eren.
"Thank you." Taking a sip.
'This taste.' The aroma reminded him of home; a feeling of nostalgia. Its sweet floral notes reminiscent of his mother's cooking; the warmth of the drink made him feel at ease.
"Very good. This is very, very good." Eren smiled contently, melting into the chair once more.
"Now, tell me; How are you adjusting to time once more?" Baelor asked curiously. Eren paused, in truth it has been horrible. Everything had changed, everyone had changed, his sister barely registers his existence, people look away or seek to do violence at the first chance they get. But, could Eren trust this mysterious elf? A stranger from a whole other race; who seemingly knows much about him.
"As well as I can."
"An interesting answer. It would be better if you were truthful, Reaper." Baelor's voice carried a weight of authority. His demeanour shifted in an instant, an aura of nobility seeping from his pores; intimidating, yet refined; Eren felt his jaw tense and muscles freeze in place. Even his voice became more forceful, like it could cut stone with its resonance.
"Fine... Everything's different, everyone I love and cared for has moved on. A dead man walking amongst the living. Nothing makes sense and people either try to fight or run. At least in the dead realm there were few complications, now that I'm back it's like trying to thread a needle with a spoon." Eren sighed deeply. Baelor listened intently, analysing his words, his face, his movements.
"I cannot comprehend the complexity of this task you have been given, but I do understand loss. However, in my experience you can't mourn over what you used to have; you can only embrace the challenges the future brings."
"The future doesn't look bright right now." Eren stared into the depths of the Qenya, the tea reflecting his sombre expression.
"Then, let me shed a light for you; Your sister, she does indeed register your presence. She knows you're alive and walks the same earth as her." Baelor's voice softened to a whisper.
"How do you know that?"
"Observation. The bond between siblings is unlike any other, unbreakable, even by death itself. Though you are strangers now, she cares deeply for her brother, no matter how deep it's buried."
"I wish I had the confidence of your observation." Eren chuckled weakly. "Trust in me Master Reaper, you can win her favour again. And while you work on her, I will assist you in matters of the mission."
"Assist me?" Eren questioned.
The elf's smile brightened once more; a mischievous grin spread wide across his face.
"Indeed. I will guide you to those that have violated the laws of nature; corrupting the natural balance."
"Balance of nature?"
"Yes, I suppose it's time I inform you of our arrangement." Baelor's tone was soft, but commanding. His mannerisms showed signs of age, wisdom, and pride.