Mirrored Shadows 2

The Lobby

The light of the torches was barely illuminating the claustrophobically small room underneath. The space was hugged tightly by the walls and the floor of stone, like a one-piece rock. There were no windows, as if the architect wanted the place to resemble a coffin, rather than a livable space. There were two doors, however. Standing on the opposite sides of the room, while long benches occupied the other two walls.

Six figures were sitting on them in silence: a man, anxiously squeezing an axe and glancing at everyone in the room almost threateningly. He was the closest to one of the doors and it looked like he was guarding his turn to get through them. Right next to him was a child; a boy with hollow eye sockets and an odd aura of cold upon him, like a winter breeze in the shape of innocence. An unusually pale girl was sitting near him. She was as slender as a twig, with hair so long, it almost reached the floor. Everything about her looked stripped of worldly colors, save for the blue crescent moon that was hanging around her neck. She was shivering. And not because of the cold aura of the boy next to her, but because of the way the man, who was sitting on the other bench across, stared at her. It was a tall, ominously looking man, wrapped in cloth so black, it looked like it was made out of pure darkness. There was a wild hunger in his eyes, as they aimed at the pale girl without blinking. She was certain, if everyone else left the room, he would eat her.

Next to him was a woman with short, black hair and a sharp, spiteful nose. She would make quite a beauty if it weren't for the apathetic expression that seemed to be constantly on her face. A long dress, buttoned all the way up to the chin, was a messenger of strictness. With arms crossed in silent protest, she scoffed at the closed doors, losing patience. How long were they all here?

Suddenly, one of the doors opened, getting everyone's attention. A woman, dressed as a maid, appeared before them and called the axe man in. He quickly jumped on his feet, looking at others with a silent threat as their jealous eyes followed him, until he disappeared behind the door. Once he was gone, the silence and the waiting continued.

The entire room was gently shaking, like a carriage on a bumpy road. It must've been unnoticeable after some time, but the occasional turbulence reminded them.

Then the second door opened. All the heads turned to look again, as a demon of incomprehensible beauty walked in, followed by a child, a woman with red hair and another man dressed as a mage. They paused at the entrance, confused.

- This... can't be right. - Dion looked around.

- Where are we?

The people on the benches stared at them silently. The room shook a bit harder this time and they quickly grabbed the wall so they wouldn't fall.

Monika opened the door they went through, but there was no silver sand of Dreaming, but an infinite abyss, filled with stars.

- What the... - slid off her lips into the big nothingness.

Greeted by distant stars of long forgotten worlds, the room sailed between space and time, detached from what was and what will be, where thoughts and dreams were one and the same. She watched as the windowless, black box glided on its way to nowhere.

- Mommy, - she felt Bruno's grip. - who are those people over there? They are staring.

- Let's ask... - Dion approached the strangers. - Excuse me, what is this place?

The short-haired woman sighed in frustration, as if she had to answer that question a million times before.

- This is the Lobby. - she said.

- The Lobby?

- It is a place between realities... - whispered the scared, pale girl. - Neither here... Nor there... Everywhere... and nowhere...

The first woman scoffed and rolled her eyes.

- What the melanin deficient girl meant to say is that this is a place between the Planes. It's what we come across if the way to the next Plane is shut. It always moves, but it doesn't actually go anywhere. It's the waiting room from a bloody nightmare, that's what it is. You could be waiting here for years, and not notice it.

- Oh no, no, no... - Monika said. - We don't have that time.

- Who does? - she looked at her like she said the most stupid thing.

- The taint is spreading, and you are telling me we could waste years here? The whole world could fall apart by then!

- Well you're going to have to wait like the rest of us. The creep over here, - she pointed at the dark man next to her, but he did not dignify her with a reaction. - he had been waiting for 13 years.

- 13 years! - Dion gasped. - The Planes are suspicious about the passengers because of the taint, I get that, but why couldn't you cross 13 years ago?

The man's big eyes slowly shifted towards him, and back at the pale girl.

- You really need to ask that? - the woman interfered again. - Look at him. Does he look like someone you'd let into Heaven? He'll never enter.

- Well, just great. And I thought everything would go smoothly.

- Dearest wife, the next time we decide to go on a vacation, let's remember this and stay home and cuddle by the fire instead. - said Amadeus, looking around the room. - What's behind that other door?

After being addressed by him, the woman's spiteful face lost some of its rough facade, as if she dropped a weapon on the floor. The look she gave him made Monika feel possessive and take his hand.

- No one knows. When your turn comes, a woman dressed as a maid comes for you.

The demon curiously approached the door, followed by the eyes of the rest. They must've seen someone trying that many times before.

- It's no use... - the pale girl whispered. - No one can open them...

- And even if you could, it is not allowed. - said Dion.

- How do you know that? - Amadeus asked and looked behind him, seeing Dion with one of the books from his bag. - Forget I asked.

- It says here that the Lobby is like a carriage that rides through the Nothingness between the borders of the Planes. If you walk through the first door and fall into the abyss, you cease to exist. Even as a memory. Like you never were. The second door is locked and only those chosen by the Ferryman will be allowed to walk through and proceed to the next Plane.

- Ferryman? How quaint. - the woman sighed.

- Well, what takes him so long to let people through?

- It is unknown. - Dion kept flipping pages. - Some believe that this place is made by Father Time himself, the cosmic architect, to serve as a journey into oneself, much like Durun-bar. Finding your truth may grant you the passage. Others believe that once you go behind that door, you are put through a series of tests that may take ages. But personally, - he closed the book. - I believe that the delay is more of a political nature. They are skeptical about letting warring species enter their enemy's Plane, especially these days.

- What a marvelous history lesson. - said the woman sarcastically. - It will certainly come in handy when we decide to end our misery by boring ourselves to death.

- Understanding a question is the first step towards answering it.

- Oh is that so? So what do you suggest we do then, hm? Spread a blanket and meditate, while chanting an ode to flowers and throwing petals at each other?

- Why is she still talking? - Amadeus asked.

- I don't know about petals and chanting, but meditation could actually help. - said Monika. - Sleeping worked in Durun-bar. Maybe meditation works the same.

- You've got to be kidding.

- Actually, - the pale girl raised her finger knowingly. - meditation is a spiritual way to-

- I wasn't asking.

Ignoring the skepticism, Monika sat on the floor and placed her hands on her knees, closing her eyes.

- She's serious. - the woman looked at everyone in disbelief.

- Shhhh... - the pale girl silenced her. - She needs concentration.

- Oh for the love of...

Monika waited for their voices to settle down, and all the noises to sync and fall back into the reaches of her mind where she could ignore them. The shaking of the Lobby became like the rocking of a crib.

- You think this will work? - she heard Amadeus whispering to Dion.

- I don't know, but we have to try everything.

***

Hours passed, counting by the mortal concept of time. The Lobby was quiet. There was a strange atmosphere in the air. Something about the place made it easy to drift and lose oneself in thoughts. Perhaps it was a way to ease the burden of waiting. Among the little things Dion uncovered about the Lobby, he also read that one can't feel hunger or thirst while being inside, but Amadeus mentioned several times he wouldn't refuse a snack.

The short-haired woman was sitting next to Dion and kept glancing into his book. At one point, he raised his eyes at her, to which she quickly turned her head away.

- Do you wish to read? - he asked.

- I can't deny that my mind craves some occupation.

He reached into his bag and pulled out several heavy books.

- Well you are certainly prepared. - she took one. - I suppose introductions are in order. I am Reeva.

- Nice to meet you, Reeva. I am Dion. What takes you to Heaven?

- What is that thing about people pushing their noses into someone else's business? I was well mannered and introduced myself. That doesn't make my affairs your concern.

- No, I didn't mean to s-

- Of course you did. - she handed him back the book and got up from the bench, walking around.

- Don't mind her... - whispered the pale girl. - She's a bit cold...

- Don't talk like I'm not here! I'm not deaf, you know?

The girl bowed her head as if she was being scolded by a parent.

- My apologies.

- Who are you, if I may ask? - Dion addressed the girl.

- Oh, I'm Birdie. - she smiled softly, but there was a trace of pain and sadness in that smile. - Feel free to ask me what takes me to Heaven if you'd like to.

- Well, Birdie, what takes you to Heaven?

She widened her eyes and leaned towards him, like she was about to tell him the most confidential secret.

- My shadow.

- Your... shadow?

- Yes.

- Um... I'm not sure I underst-

- Excuse me now, I need to sleep.

And Birdie closed her eyes and leaned against the wall, falling asleep instantly.

- Oh... Okay...

But then she suddenly opened them.

- Wake me up before anyone leaves. I must not be left alone with him. - she pointed at the creepy man, who never stopped staring at her. Then she fell asleep again.

- Will do...

Dion looked at the man more closely. Something about him just wasn't right.

- He's a belzeor. - Reeva said, seeing Dion staring. - A corpse eater. He doesn't kill on his own, but he can sense lives that are soon to end.

Dion's eyes moved to Birdie.

- You're saying she's going to...

- Probably, yes.

- That's horrible!

The girl, however, slept peacefully, leaned against the wall behind her. She didn't look like someone who's about to die.

- Should we do something?

Reeva shrugged.

- If you know what, be my guest.

In the meantime, Bruno was trying to get the other boy's attention, but in vain. He tried to lure him into play, showing off his wooden horse. But the boy sat stiffly, looking at his feet. Not even Bruno's teddy, Bear, managed to catch his eye.

- You are cold. - said Bruno, sitting next to him.

The boy's head slowly raised to meet him.

- You are warm.

- You could get sick. You need a blanket.

He started rummaging through his little backpack, observed by the boy.

- That boy... - Dion whispered to Reeva.

- I think he's dead.

- What?

- He's a spirit who never managed to cross to the afterlife. But I've never met one, so I can't be sure.

Bruno finally managed to take out a blanket that was way too big for his backpack.

- Here, take this.

The ghost child took it in confusion and began to shine instantly. Pieces of light started tearing apart from his body and disappearing. Dion got up. Bruno too, and ran to Amadeus. Birdie woke up and jumped away from him. Even the dark man looked at the boy.

- What's happening to him???! Reeva!?

- I think he's transcending. He was stuck in here... Your boy must've helped him by offering him the blanket.

The boy was slowly fading away, smiling at them.

- He was probably forgotten, neglected... - Dion said absently, thinking about his orphans. - Bruno changed that and set him free...

After his complete departure, the room was barely illuminated again, but much warmer.

- That was sad... - Birdie whispered. - But also good. He's where he should be now...

An hour later, after the boy left, the room sunk deep into its usual monotony and silence. Having way too much time to think is what made the waiting in this place unbearable. Dion couldn't help but wonder how one endures years here.

- Look at her... - Amadeus stared at Monika, sitting in front of her on the floor. - So peaceful and pretty...

- Shhhh, you'll interrupt her. - Dion warned.

- Nah. She said she loves my voice.. Said she could sleep to it, cause it's smooth like honey and - oh crap she moved, shhh shhhh go back to meditating!

- Dad, sit down and behave like the rest of us. - said Bruno.

- But I'm boooooooooored!

- This instant, or I'll tell mom when she comes back.

- Ugh! - the demon sat next to him, pouting. - You are so boring, Bruno, have I ever told you that? I love you but right now, you are killing daddy with your boring rant and I can't-

- Dad.

- What?

- Shush.

***

From the depths of Hell and up, into the human world and an orphanage in fire, to the broken gates of Heaven and a golden tree, shattered on the ground. Monika flew higher, to the very top of the Great Windmill, until she stumbled across a locked door that looked exactly like the one in the Lobby. She felt a slight vibration around her waist.

Use the belt... - came out of nowhere.

She pushed the door and they fell. Before her was a field of dark grass and many deformed angels and demons standing still in it. Like hollow trees. Among them were the abominations of Justice, Aaron, Dion, Amadeus, even Bruno.

You cannot save all.

Then she opened her eyes and found herself back in the Lobby.

- She's back.

Amadeus helped her get up, since she looked drained. You cannot save all. You cannot save all. These words kept echoing in his head.

- Are you alright, my love?

- I think so... But the nightmares are back. Amadeus, I think Defiler has truly returned...

Everyone in the room looked dully at her.

- Defiler...? - Birdie whispered. - But, he was defeated long ago, wasn't he?

- I'm afraid not... But I'm not sure about this entirely...

Her eyes fell upon the locked door.

- Monika?

- Give me a moment.

She approached the door and placed her hands on it.

- I thought we'd established already that no one could get through there. - Reeva said. - If it were possible, I'd be gone long ago. But since even a Plainwalker can't get through, what do you think you'll do? Knock and ask nicely?

- You're a Plainwalker? - Dion was surprised.

- I believe I just said that.

- Perhaps they just don't want your attitude on the other side. - he replied.

- How dare you s-

The door snapped. All the heads turned to Monika, whose belt around her waist was glowing.

- How did you do that? - Reeva's jaw dropped.

- Well, I-

Something suddenly pulled Monika in and the door closed again.

- MONIKA! - Amadeus shouted and ran to the door. - Monika? Monika are you there?!

He started banging against the door.

- What just happened!?

- Monika, please answer me. Are you there!?

He pressed his ear against the door, but nothing could be heard from the other side.

- Quickly, help me break the door!

- Amadeus, we can't-

- Damn it Dion, are you a mage or what?? Help me!

- Where's mommy? - Bruno's voice shivered. He was on the edge of tears.

- Mommy will be with us in no time, teddy, okay? Dion.

Dion sighed.

- Step away, all of you.

They moved behind him as he raised his hands and sent a blast of fire at the door. But it remained untouched.

- Again.

- Amadeus....

- Again!

Dion started sending different kinds of destructive spells, but the only thing those managed to do was to make the Lobby full of smoke.

- Enough! Stop this before you choke us all. - said Reeva. - What part of ''no one can get through'' you people didn't understand!?

- That girl just did... - said Birdie.

- She clearly had that belt, which was CLEARLY imbued with powerful magic!

Amadeus walked around like a caged beast, panting fast and pulling on his hair.

- We need to get through... She could be... What if she's... Damn the day we left our home!!!

Bruno finally burst into tears. Dion picked him up.

- Amadeus, you are upset for a good reason, but PLEASE stop. You are scaring Bruno.

When the demon turned to Dion, he wasn't full of rage, as he seemed from the back. His eyes were soaked in silent pleading.

- Amadeus...

He placed his hands on Dion's shoulder.

- Dion... If something happens to her... I won't be able to...

His spirit, the will to live, were broken instantly. Everyone looked at him silently.

- Nothing will happen to her, Amadeus. You have to know that, and Bruno needs to know that too.

The demon looked at his crying son and took him from Dion into his arms.

- Everything will be alright. If anyone can survive, it's mommy. - he tried to sound confident, while still looking at Dion. - Please... If anyone can figure this out... it's you. I beg you...

- You don't have to beg me. I want to find her too. But you need to calm down and understand it will take some time.

That last word broke him completely. He sat on the bench with Bruno on his lap, sinking into despair.

- This could take years, you know? - Reeva whispered to Dion. - Your friend got her ticket. We are stuck here.

- Not now, Reeva...

Birdie approached Amadeus and Bruno, touching them both.

- What are you doing?

Her crescent moon flashed and the two of them fell asleep. She had to catch Bruno not to fall from his lap and lean him against his father's chest.

- What did you do?

- They need to sleep this through. - she said. - I sense their grief... They won't last through the waiting...

- Alright... Thank you. I need time to understand this place.

Without wasting time, he took his books and alienated himself in a corner of the Lobby.

***

Monika found herself in a room that was opposite everything compared to the Lobby. It was grand, made out of marble, with giant columns that supported a richly decorated ceiling. The place reminded her of a church.

An old man in robes stood at the center of it. Unnaturally blue eyes radiated from underneath a storm of grey eyebrows.

- Greetings, Monika. - his voice echoed through the room.

- You... I know you. You are Bernard, one of The Sacred Three.

- That is correct. - he smiled.

- What are you doing here?

- I've come to your aid.

- My aid?

- Given the current circumstances, The Sacred Three are now responsible for the passage between the places.

- So you've let me through? Even though it wasn't my turn? What about my companions?

- I needed proof that it was really you. He can take so many forms. We cannot risk the taint being spread onto Heaven as well. Since only the heir of Azura can carry the belt, breaking the door was a perfect way to prove that this was truly you. Your companions will join you shortly. But not before you are escorted to Heaven.

- Why? I want my son and my husband with me.

- I'm afraid that's impossible at this very moment, child. Just like yourself, they need to prove that they are who they claim to be. And for them, that may take a while. But worry not, I'm sure you will see them once we reach our destination.

- I hate being parted from them.

- Your friends are clever. The young mage will soon find a way. And if not, I will see what I can do to help them. But now, we need to go.

The old man moved across the room and Monika followed. It wasn't long until they reached a door.

- You may want to cover your eyes. They will need some adjustment to the light.

The door opened, and a ray of golden sunlight fell upon them, making them both cover their eyes. Silver bells and choir weaved themselves into their ears.

- What's that sound? it's majestic...

- Welcome to Heaven.