The Anima [completed]

29.

29.

Sometimes even an undeniable truth is hard to face. Take this for an example. Since entering the First Plane I had discovered many things that I would never before seen as being possible, with creatures of all size and powers, brainwashed humans and a connection to an animal that was not even of my own world. When I had been told I had a doppelgänger, a soul split in two bodies, I can accept it with a nod of my head and nothing more. And yet, when faced with a mirror image of myself, who possessed a half of my soul, I was internally struck with turmoil. This thing was me, not just by appearances.

But did that mean that she, that I, could be trusted? I knew my old self, the one I had been before entering the Fae realm, and I remembered the strong possessiveness of my desires. I had been full of anger, over the loss of my friend and over the neglect I faced at home, and would have done anything to escape my situation even for a moment to achieve some superficial sense of happiness. Everything I had done was done with motive, with inherent desire.

As much as I wanted to believe that my doppelgänger was acting in the best interests of 'the people', I still had reservations about trusting the soul currently residing within my body. My emotions had been in an endless whirlwind, constantly thrown by the very forces working to keep me away from my family. These very emotions had led me to the conclusion that, for one, The Anima was not to be trusted and was certainly involved in some sick power play, and second, that the shadows had been unjustly condemned to live in isolation. I had seen the destruction caused by those of the First Plane, both in their world and in the Shadow Plane, and knew that all the creatures of unearthly sorts were equally contestable in the right of evil. But something about this situation was throwing me off course. Undeniably, there was something that had gone unsaid or unexplained, and I was not the only one who felt its presence. Alvar and Beast had engaged me in a mental conversation about the matter, but none of us were closer to deciding what was amiss as my other half continued to stare at us expectantly.

She wished to bind her soul back to mine, but I had no idea what that would mean. And even worse, The Umbra herself was not here to shed some light on the matter, which was concerning to say the least. I had yet to truly understand what would happen to me by sharing in The Anima's power; already being able to enter my companion's minds and heal without touch. And better yet, I still hadn't even controlled the unruly influence I had over the weather when angry, or near death. Those powers, I had noticed, had not applied to this Plane.

So what would The Umbria's power do to her? It could free them all from this destroyed Plane, but would that power take over and bring The Reckoning that was both equally dreaded as it was hoped for? And in releasing that power, how many would die in the name of sacrifice?

"You doubt my intentions." It was no question, but it was directed at me.

"Yes," I saw no point in lying to myself, "so if you could explain what this would all mean, it would be greatly appreciated."

My doppelgänger sighed and motioned to the wraiths behind her.

"If they can spare it, collect some chairs from the dining hall?" They nodded and returned swiftly carrying wooden chairs, one charred black with smoke from the fires.

"Sit, and I will explain everything the best I can."

Lucius plucked a chair from one of the wraiths hands, making a point of avoiding any contact with the creatures dangling drapes. Lucy, much to his dismay, situated herself next to him and laid her head on his lap, falling asleep almost instantly. Alvar also took a seat, but sat on the edge uneasily, as if ready to leap off it at any given moment and strike down any opponent that would wish me harm. Just as reached for one of the chairs, Beast sounded his concern. I ignored his plea for me to not sit on the charred chair, and so he carefully wrapped his large body around its legs, his head resting protectively on my feet.