The Grims

Chapter 16- The Azoth's Essence

"The zombies in the cemetery are enraged by Peroshka's sudden ghost risin'," Gonner explained.

"That nut job has been going around saying the Dark Soul is back," Isis added.

Dixie gasped. "Nebulosa?"

"Aye," Gonner said.

"What is she up to now?" Cima asked, running a hand through her hair.

"Well, as the carriers of the Azoth, it's up to you to figure out what she's planning," Isis said.

"Stop her in her tracks," Gonner added.

"Wait a second. The last time we faced Nebulosa, we were zombies. Or, at least we thought we were because the doctors said it was all a nightmare," Dixie said.

"Well, what do you think?" Isis asked.

"Of course not. I'm sure that everything that happened was real," Cima said, looking at her sister.

"Aye, then what we be waitin' for?" Gonner said, pulling on Cima's arm.

"Wait! We can't face Nebulosa now! We're mortals!" Dixie argued.

"So?" Cima questioned.

"We'll help ye," Gonner assured them.

"You two have the powers of the Azoth on your sides," Isis said.

Dixie looked down at her belt and opened it. The two marveled at her as she took it out. It wasn't glowing.

"What's wrong with it?"

"Why isn't it glowing?"

"I don't know," Dixie said, confused.

"It's lost all of its power!" Isis realized.

Cima scrambled to take out the Azoth. Hers was glowing brightly. She was confused.

"Why is yours glowing, but hers is not?" Gonner asked.

"Someone must've done something to the Azoth while I was asleep," Dixie said, looking at her sister. "And that's why yours isn't drained, because you're wearing that thing all the time."

"I've gotten so paranoid from the last time I saw you guys. I sleep two hours a day, I jump at every shadow I see, I'm afraid of anything that can kill zombies. I have to put on my music to distract me from the fact that I'm in the shower," Cima explained.

"Now you see where I come from," Isis snorted.

They started walking down the forest as Gonner grabbed Cima's hand. She jumped at an owl hooting, dashing her hand away to grab the handle of her sword.

"Relax, princess," Gonner whispered, making her shiver and slightly relax.

"Maybe you spilled salt and don't remember," Isis theorized.

"No," Dixie groaned as Cima drew her sword and cut off a branch before it hit Gonner.

"See what I mean by reflexes, Dixie?" Cima said.

"Or walked against a ladder leaning against the wall?" Isis questioned.

"No," Dixie sighed as Gonner tripped over a branch.

Cima quickly stepped in front of him and caught him. He smirked as she pushed him back teasingly.

"Ooh! Could you have come across a hearse carrying a coffin?" Isis asked.

"Isis! We live in a funeral home," Dixie sighed.

"Cut it out with the creepy superstitions," Gonner said frustratedly.

"Do you have a better explanation?" Isis retorted.

"If anyone knows what happened to the Azoth, it would be Vitriol," Dixie decided.

Cima started at the fork in front of her and tried to remember the map she made of the forest in her mind. She groaned, not remembering a single bit of it.

"Oh, blimey, now what?" Gonner questioned.

"Yeah, Isis. Which way should we go?" Dixie asked.

Isis thought about it for a moment. "This way! No, wait wait, I said the other way."

"Aren't you always saying you have bad luck?" Cima questioned her sister's best friend.

Dixie laughed as Cima smiled. Isis laughed as well, Cima laying her head on her boyfriend's shoulder.

They made it to Vitriol's at last. Dixie handed him her part of the Azoth.

"Bummer, man. The Azoth lost its essence," Vitriol explained.

"How is that even possible?" Gonner asked.

"Not sure, Daddy-O. The Azoth is made up of this gnarly primary matter, and it's utterly fragile," Vitriol explained.

"How do we restore the Azoth's essence?" Cima asked.

"The primary matter consists of the four basic elements of creation," Vitriol started.

"Earth, fire, water, and air," Isis and Gonner said mysteriously.

"Only the righteous balance of these four elements can recreate the primary matter that nurtures the Azoth," Vitriol finished.

"So what do we need to be doin'?" Gonner asked.

Cima slightly zoned out, looking at her sister. Why did this have to happen now? Of all times?

"I'll take care of this. You don't even know your ABCs," Isis said, elbowing Gonner in the stomach.

"Only the true bearers of the Azoth can find the undeniable answer. But first, make right that which is wrong. The path lies in the heart, sisters," Vitriol said, handing Dixie the Azoth.

"How we be pickin' up the elements?" Gonner asked.

"And how will we know they are in balance?" Isis added.

The two looked back at the sisters. They were murmuring. Gonner frowned. She never kept secrets from him.

"Dixie, Cima, are you even listening to any of this?" Isis questioned.

"What? Sorry. I'm just really tired," Dixie said.

"The sun be going to rise soon. It's time to get some shut-eye. Do you want to sleep in me tomb, Cima?" Gonner offered.

"Guys, we're mortals. We have a family at home waiting for us. If we don't get back by morning, we'll be in big trouble," Dixie explained.

"But when will we see you again?" Isis asked nervously.

"Tomorrow night, same spot," Cima decided.

"I'm going to miss ye." Gonner pouted.

Cima smiled, kissing his cheek quickly before walking off with her sister. Cima felt tired for once. She was hoping tonight was the night. Otherwise, she would have to sneak out again to see Gonner. She hoped that wouldn't be the case, as sleep was important if they were going to face Nebulosa again.