Book Two Chapter Twenty Seven: Mage Shadow Initiate

Book Two Chapter Twenty Seven: Mage Shadow Initiate

Stepping into the next room, Qube moved some of Squiggless tentacles so she could see what was up ahead. She needed to be ready for whatever strange thing this Temple would throw at them next.

This area was larger than the previous one, but was just as dominated by a platform in the middle of the room. And at the top of the platform stood

Definitely Bad Guy?! But not. He was made of shadows, just like the previous otter. While the real Definitely Bad Guy stood out like a flame, this version of him seemed to suck in the light, creating an aura of darkness around him.

Do you really think youre worthy of their trust? the not-Mage snarled. Same as last time, Definitely Bad Guy was also standing on the platform, facing off against his shadow self.

The real Definitely Bad Guy seemed enraged by his counterpoints comment. As well he should be, Qube internally seethed. Just because hed been working undercover as a spy against the Evil Emperor was no reason for people not to trust him! If anything, they should trust him even more, because hed proven how far he was willing to go for the side of Good! Anyone who doubted Definitely Bad Guys Goodness was going to have to face her!

Enough, shade. Begone! Definitely Bad Guy started hurling [Lesser Fireballs] at the shadow. But, strangely, they seemed to pass right through the insubstantial figure. How had Squiggles been able to shove the shadow otter in her mouth then?

Then the shadow unleashed a series of [Lesser Fireballs], somewhat answering her question. For each fireball that hit was very, very real. It both was and was not there.

[Lesser Shield]! she cried, as Definitely Bad Guy recoiled, clothes smouldering with black and purple flames.

Okay gang, we need to move all the lanterns at the same time, the Chosen One said, remarkably calm about the fact that one of his companions was facing off against himself. They dont snap back immediately, so yank down one and then run to the spare one to your right and pull that one as quickly as you can.

[Fire Wall], the Good Definitely Bad Guy protected himself from the Evil Definitely Bad Guy.

Your master knows your heart wavers, the shade sneered. Do you really think they will accept you if you turn to them? What use is a disloyal tool? Far better to discard it.

Definitely Bad Guy scoffed angrily.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

My heart has never wavered, he said with the utmost confidence.

For a moment the shade looked not confused, but more mildly put off, like their drink was a different flavour than what they were expecting.

You care too much for them. You will never complete your mission, it said, but with slightly less certainty than before.

I will complete it even if it costs me my life, Definitely Bad Guy said with quiet passion.

The three companions took their places at the various lanterns. Only Sewer Bard and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady ended up having spare lanterns next to them it would be the work of a moment to redirect the lanterns.

Not so fast, heroes, the Mages shadow suddenly unleashed a torrent of dark fireballs, driving the group away from their ropes.

Dude, Chosen One snapped at the real Definitely Bad Guy, keep it occupied so we can do this. Hed managed to avoid being hit by any of the black fireballs, but he still looked decidedly displeased.

A pleasure, Definitely Bad Guy said and released his [Fire Wall] spell. [Curse], he commanded, as his blood-red mana coursed out of him. The shade recoiled, and screamed in pain as its non-existent skin broke out into blistering boils.

A choice is coming, puppet of the more powerful, it hissed.

Huh, so non-physical damages it, the Chosen One said thoughtfully.

Chosen One! Qube snapped.

Oh yeah, lets see how it goes this time! The Chosen One refocused. Ready-set-go!

This is the Shadow Temple. That thing was my shadow. It attempted to tap into my greatest fears, he said, as if that were a perfectly ordinary thing. But it failed.

It did? Qube blinked. What else was he afraid of, then?

Yes, well, you see, there is the Mage started to slip into a more formal tone of voice, one Qube was starting to recognise as his explaining voice, when he pulled himself up, and looked over at Sexy Screamy Spider Lady.

What I truly fear is the devs, he said simply. I did not understand many things that became clear once I realised your relationship with them. And how they, in turn, fear you.

The devs dont fear me! Qube exclaimed, shocked.

They do, Definitely Bad Guy said with quiet conviction. You hold power that they do not understand, and thus they fear you. They compare you with their Chosen One, but you are not constrained by their Golden Prophecy like he is. They claim that they made this world, and yet they cannot control it.

When you when we first met, the power you demonstrated was beyond anything I had ever experienced before. I now know why both the Chosen One and the Evil Emperor look to you. It is that power within you, capable of making even those who fashion themselves as gods tremble.

I thought this conflict was about who would rule the kingdom. But now now I know that his vision expands beyond that. The Mage abruptly cut himself off, and looked around. Fortunately, no one seemed to be paying attention to his speech. Nevertheless, he lowered his voice.

I know you do not doubt me. For I am, as always, yours to command.

Qube wanted to vomit. Shed never actually thrown up before, but this seemed like a good time to start trying. The sheer intensity of his speech was far too much. Not to mention the things he was saying she wasnt sure if he was just being romantic (which was stressful in a totally different way) or if he actually believed she was so important.

To pit her against the devs themselves! Did he really think the Chosen One would do such a thing? Or did he think that was something she wanted to do?

Either way, she was deeply, deeply uncomfortable. She just needed to find a way to express that

Thank you, but I dont think that would be a good idea, teehee!

Perfect.

The Chosen One, having finished with his experimentation, turned back to the rest of the group.

Ah, too close! he jumped as he realised just how close to him Sexy Screamy Spider Lady was. Why are you so close? Space, please!

Sexy Screamy Spider Lady scuttled back a bit, looking sulky.

Okay, so, next one will hopefully be less of a pain in the [ankle], so well actually get to have fun with it, the Chosen One started. Then he paused as a thought struck him. It will probably be a shadow version of one of you two, he told Sexy Screamy Spider Lady and Sewer Bard. Would you be okay with it saying [snacks] while I I mean we test a few things?

How did he know? Qube pulled out A Gentlemans Guide to the Seven Temples, and opened it to the second page.

The Shadow Temple, it read, in the fanciest cursive shed ever read, is a place even the bravest gentleman would be advised to steel himself before entering. It is said that inside one may face his darkest self.

She supposed it was only logical to assume that his other companions would also face off against themselves. Still, his quick thinking and care for their feelings once again filled her with admiration.

Whatever you think best, my darling, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady said, once again advancing towards him.

I sincerely doubt there is anything this shade could say that would affect me, Noble Patron, Sewer Bard said confidently.

Sweet, lets go! the Chosen One said and, without any further questions, plunged into the darkened entrance.