Chapter Seven

The Grim Reaper

Archie Parthenia

At the crack of dawn, we made our way to the Stone Palace. Now, we stood in the throne room before the Grim Reaper. We all collectively agreed that Grim was no place for Irene, especially if Knightmares were after her. Not only that, but where Shifters were concerned danger followed them wherever they hid. The Reaper would know better than anyone that Grim was not safe.

It wasn't known to Irene that Shifters attracted quite the ruckus. They were natural attention grabbers to Aether creatures, like a flame to a moth.

But even after what happened, Irene just couldn't keep her wits about her.

I deadpanned, "He's dangerous."

"He's a child."

"He's a murderer."

"He's literally twelve."

I huffed in response, hoping she'd shut up. This wasn't a joke, even if his height was. I'd never say it aloud though. At least, not if I cared for my well—being and as of right now I quite liked my existence.

The Stone Palace, like its name, was a royal residence of smooth stone, with polished grey walls shimmering throughout the castle with spiked towers that jutted out. Pillars stood tall, holding towering arches full of engraved letters and mosaics of old and new stories. Below were scarlet carpets with woven gold intricate patterns. If I remembered correctly this was designed after the medieval times. I was quite fond of it actually.

A cough interrupted my thoughts, drawing our attention to the person sitting idly on his spiked throne. Arius Grim.

Only a few knew his name, and it wasn't as much of an honour as people made it out to be.

He was not clothed in hooded robes or appeared haunting as most stories depicted him. In fact, he looked young enough to be mistaken for a teenager, even if he lived beyond the age of the dinosaurs (or so the rumours say). Simple black attire adorned his body and his black hair was just long enough to be tucked away into a ponytail. He sat in a criss—cross position, comfortably laying his head on his hand as he brushed off non—existent dust from his armrest, gold laced in between the stone with jewels I'd never heard of.

He was a simple man of incredible prowess and deceit. A craftsman of charm and disdain. He was most certainly not to be taken lightly.

"Squad Archie," He adjured with a voice smoother than velvet. "What brings you here?"

His bright black eyes met mine, with no comfort in them just like how I remembered. My hair stood on end, and cold prickled up my arms as I stood my ground staring up at the small powerful being.

"Grim Reaper," I addressed with a forced formal tone, "We are here to inform you of a breach of worlds. In other words, a Shifter has appeared."

I motioned for Irene to move forward, and as she walked forth I couldn't help but notice the wobble in her step, the tapping of her fingers, and the fear in her eyes. Arius shifted his weight from one side to the other, intrigued by a notion he was far too familiar with. My stomach curled in disgust, unsettled by his hidden animosity towards Irene. Even if he hadn't spoken yet, it was obvious he'd taken a liking to her.

"You must be the Shifter, glad to make your acquaintance."

Irene didn't speak. I told her not to without my consent.

I didn't trust the scoundrel on the daise one bit.

"I see Archie has debriefed you all on the situation at hand. I have been made aware of the events that occurred last night. Correct me if I'm wrong but it appears a lone Knightmare targeted the Shifter—"

She blurted. "Irene."

Arius stumbled on his words at the interruption, with less anger, and more novelty as he provoked, "Pardon?"

Irene cleared her throat before repeating, "My name is Irene."

Slowly Arius nodded, a smirk plastered on his tanned face. I tightened my grip on my fist and clenched my jaw as he corrected, "It appears a lone Knightmare targeted Irene, a rare event indeed. It's not normal for a Knightmare to attack the city, let alone battle single—handedly."

This was news to Irene.

I asked in an almost demanding manner, "And the questioning?"

His face fell briefly, "The Knightmare refused to share its information. I've searched its memories before it choked on its own blood."

This was news to me.

"So to deal with the issue it appears you've come to the consensus to return Irene back to Earth. The correct decision truly."

I nodded, clasping my hands behind my back as I straightened my posture even more to try and negate his icy stare.

It had to be done.

"I'm sorry."

Even after risking her life, she apologised, guilt taking over her as she sadly agreed to leave. Especially when she was so adamant to stay. Rock solid resolve cracked like shattered glass. It broke me.

The Reaper sighed, "Well there's no point dancing around the subject. Follow me."

We meandered through the stone halls of the palace, following Arius Grim like a dog to its owner. Pictures of colour and magic flickered around us like an infinite mural of history and truth. There were tents and women dancing, flowers and animals eating, people and the building of what looked like the Stone Palace.

Down we went, through the descending staircase to the hidden underground catacombs passing skulls etched into the now uneven and rough walls scarred from years of existence. From my perspective, it was increasingly obvious this place belonged to back when the Grim was much younger. I wondered if Medina had ever been here.

Behind me was Irene, who was enthralled by the labyrinth of bone and rock. Not at all afraid. Unlike her nonchalant attitude, I could feel the ghost of a lingering presence, not at all human in any way. I could feel it in my bones, my trained mind aware of every little action: the small limp in Medina's leg, the large swinging of Yudai's arms, and the short breaths Helen took as we neared the cramped end of the stairwell. Not to forget the Reaper, whose presence was almost concealed by his soft—soled steps and covert stealth. Not even the echoing crunch of gravel could be heard.

The Reaper's voice reverberated around us. "I feel it's important to make you all aware of what will happen," he paused, pulling down a candlestick to reveal a hidden passageway. Brown dust snowed down as he did. "Below the castle lies various Aether Calamities that have opened up due to disturbances in the past. The most famous being the Mavros outbreak."

He paused before an iron door, impenetrable without a lock in sight, and with one touch the Reaper pushed open the door as if it were lighter than paper. We all stopped in our tracks as if our feet were magnetised to the ground.

In the now exposed room stood some strange gate. Floating around it was an amber cloud with streaks of lightning occasionally cracking out towards the walls with black streaks torn upon them. Spanning ten feet tall, it was impossible to miss. Yet what shocked me was how silent the lightning was, the lack of thunder disturbed me as physics completely abandoned the situation at hand.

"Here is the gateway back to Earth, powered by nothing other than the Aether," the Reaper explained. He noticed the tense atmosphere and bowed slightly as he excused himself, "I'll give you some time to bid your farewells."

As he left, shutting the ironclad door behind him Yudai jumped onto Irene, forcing her into a tight embrace, whining slightly as he cried out, "Ireeeeene, I'll miss you."

Irene hugged him back tighter, "Me too."

As they split, Irene waved toward Medina and Helen who were holding in their own emotions to stay strong. However, they soon succumbed to the loneliness and brought Irene in for a group hug as sorrowful goodbyes were declared. "We're really grateful for the time we spent. Thank you."

I watched as Helen met my gaze as Medina closed his eyes tight as he snuck his head into Irene's shoulder, folding over to bring her ever so close. Helen simply gave her a sad nod, acknowledging that this would be the last time she'd see Irene, who brought life to the apartment with ignorance and jokes. The same Irene that first exclaimed in terror when they'd first met. Oh, how times have changed.

Then it was my turn.

I wasn't crying, not at all emotional like the rest of them, just simply… sad. Irene noticed it too, for she took my hands and held them up in hers, clutching onto them desperately. I attempted to avoid eye contact because I had wanted this from the start, for her to leave and for things to return to the way they were.

So why was I so hesitant to let go? The exit was right there and I couldn't bring myself to loosen my grip on her hands. My chest ached with a longing for something, I just couldn't make sense of it. I pursed my lips, unable to deal with it, and croaked out a pitiful apology. "I'm sorry."

"Stop it, Helen." I overheard Medina order.

"No, you can't just leave Irene like that."

"Archie is willing to play the bad guy for us. Be grateful."

Irene brought her hand to my face and lifted my chin gently, forcing our eyes to meet. They reminded me of the Earth, of the soil where life grew. So gentle and full of love and understanding. It took everything I had not to break down right then and there.

"Thank you," she consoled. "For everything."

And just like that she let go and leaped into the portal.