Concerning the Dead

I stood in front of a tall Sycamore and pulled out the bottle of souls. I had been hoping to save it for a better reason but it seems this would be the best use I'd get. After one last look at the souls I threw it down and broke the bottle.

Nothing happened. After a second a small crack appeared. Souls were flying out as the hole got bigger and wider. I claw my way out and saw Ceres. I grab a soul and threw it back into the hole making it shut like nothing happened. I crossed my arms "The dead knight stands upon you"

"Hello professor. Hope I didn't call you at a bad time." I said watching the escaping souls distractedly. "I was hoping you'd be willing to tell me about the dead. If you'd still like to that is."

"what will you like to know?"

I shrugged and said, "Dunno yet. You just said you'd tell me all you know about them.... won't have questions until I know a little."

I knell in front of her and poked her chest. When I return my hand her soul was coming out. I pulled it up gently placing my hand on the souls chin. "Without this....you'll be lifeless....emotionless...." I shoved it back into her.

My eyes widened and I jolted backwards hitting my head against the trunk. I rubbed the spot ruefully and growled, "Never do something like that again without warning me first. It didn't feel.... right." A cold shiver ran up my spine as my fear died down a bit. I looked back up at him and asked, "What was the point of showing me that?"

"What you saw is something I don't have....I am lifeless and show no emotion...I can't feel internal feelings. It doesn't feel right because you felt something missing....resurrection means you come alive without your human...self....if you die..your soul still lives...if you have the will to live and continue to live....then you will be alive once more"

"Is that what Necros has done?" I asked grimly. "Or is that just in the case of your curse?" My tail tip twitched slightly and I added another question after a few seconds of thought. "Can any element become a necromancer?"

"Yes....any element"

"Interesting...." I said thoughtfully and remembered the words of Animais. "Is that all you wished to tell me? Or is there something else?"

I laughed and it shooked the whole room. "Be dead.....and I'll show you the way"

"I'm dying to know what you mean by that already." I said and leaned forward slightly. "The way to what?"

"Would you like a trip to...where the dead slumber?"

"Would I ever!" I exclaimed excitedly, my curiosity getting the better of me. "Wait, you don't mean a permanent trip do you?" I added nervously. But even then I still probably would have said yes.

"more like a...preparation" I extend my hand out. "Your body can't go....but your soul can"

I hesitated for a few seconds uncertainly. Finally I took in a deep breath and took his hand. .

I grabbed her hand and pushed her. Her flesh body fell to the floor. Her soul stood on its feet. She has complete control in soul form. We sink slowly downward the ocean of souls.

"I have a question. Let's just say, hypothetically of course, someone decapitated or maimed my body while my soul is gone. Does that mean I wouldn't be able to return? Would I actually die?" I asked worredly looking back up at my limp body as we sank down. It was an odd feeling and quite uncomfortable at first.

"......let's hope your body is in...a safe place..."

I fell into an uneasy silence hoping Nartik would favor my luck. My attention was drawn away by the swarm of souls around us. I watched them swirling eerily and felt my interest captured completely.

"Now if someone did harm....your body while you're in...this state...you will not return to normal....you'll remain...like this....a wandering soul. if you die in the world above your soul will be here.....since I have this curse I can...roam anywhere I desire..." I grabbed Ceres and made her sit up on my shoulder. "This lake will devour you...let me carry you across...there, we will see my dragon"

"And where is here exactly?" I asked curiously looking around. I had relaxed by now and actually grinned as I was placed upon his shoulders. It made me feel like a child again and small memories of my dad flitted through my mind. I shook my head and quickly pushed them away. At the mention of your dragon form excitement welled up inside me. "Really?! How big is it?" I asked eagerly gazing around.

We reached a small island with a large cave. Bones were scattered around the cave. I set Ceres down and we walked towards the cave. The cave gave off fog and you tell something big is in there. "Here" I handed her a small soul fish. "Hold this up"

I took the soul fish and held it out as Militis instructed and looked at the cave waiting eagerly.