The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 17 (Part 1)

     Standing atop a slope, Harris, Philip, and Meredith watch the coven destroy the village from afar. They gawk at the modest settlement, their eyes reflecting their dread. They hasten towards the town and combat the current of fleeing men and women. In the street, they see the coven members stealing loot and gratifying the walls. They hide from them as they navigate their way through the alleyway.

     As Harris, Philip, and Meredith leave the alley, they see Denis using his wand to blast elements. Harris calls out to Denis, waving his hands. As Denis turns to the side, he sees Harris. Denis' face lights up with bliss as he hurries towards him. Grabbing Denis on the forearm, Harris brings him deeper into the alley with Philip and Meredith.

"Denis!? Why in the hell did you join the coven?? What was in your mind?? Were you out of your mind!?" Harris asked, his face stern.

"What do you mean?" Denis tilted his head, his brows arching with disappointment.

"Why did you join this coven??" Meredith repeated Harris' question for Denis, stepping closer to him.

"Well, 'cause I belong to the dark! I always did! I'm just acting upon it..." Denis explained, slightly disappointed that his friends weren't happy about his choice.

Harris glanced at Philip and Meredith. He then addressed Denis, saying, "...You may belong to the dark, but there's good within you." He whispered with a sincere, tender heart, "There's always been a good thing within you. You're the good within the dark."

Denis' heart ached with genuine affection as he listened to Harris' words, his breath trembling. "...But... but I'm just doing this for you, guys... for my friends..." he reasoned with a sorrowful voice.

"Joining this coven? You're doing it only for you, not for us..." Harris replied with a heavy sigh. "We didn't want this to happen to you," he said.

"Oh," Denis murmured, his gaze falling.

"Denis... you have to choose which side you are on," Harris stated, his gaze locked on Denis.

Denis groaned. "I didn't choose the dark! I'm just accepting my destiny..." he sighed.

"Which side of the dark are you on? The bad dark? Or the good dark...?" Harris clarified.

"...What if I want to be in the bad dark?" Denis wondered.

"Then... you're just trying to fit into something you don't belong to. You'll be no better than before," Harris replied.

"...Then, where do I belong?" Denis asked.

"If you belong in the dark, you're free to accept it. But you'll always belong on the good side of whatever faction you are in," Harris smiled.

"...How can you tell?" Denis asked, his voice choked with sadness.

"Oh..." Harris uttered, quickly thinking of an answer.

"How!?" Denis questioned, raising his voice.

"It's because!" Harris began. "It's because... both my heart and mind agree... I can feel it... I feel who you really are... I can feel the truth," he said softly.

     It is amazing to see how Harris changed in just a few days because of Denis. From being a boy who didn't show emotions but coldness and unfriendliness to being a boy who spoke warm words, Harris has grown into a person who gives his positive energy. Isn't it just lovely to see one's growth? One's development in life? He has absolutely improved as a person that one can trust, and it brings such gentle flames to Denis' heart as he thinks about his contribution to transforming Harris.