In and out of hospitals, Allister's worsening condition keeps him confined to his bedroom. When his little sister asks for him to carry her, Allister can barely muster the strength. Trading a ride on his back for a fairy tale, time ceases as Alliste...
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"AH, YOU HAVE SAVED ME THE TROUBLE OF FINDING YOU."
A sultry, dark, confident masculine voice echoed about them. Allister and Alcor had just arrived in the misty, stone cloisters of the Infinite Corridor.
The cloister stretched out beyond them, with no beginning or end in sight. As far as the eye sought, it could find nothing. Fog.
Cold brick stone floors chilled Alcor's feet through his fine leather boots. Intricately carved columns climbed up to the ceiling. They met a hand-painted ceiling with faceless figures, indistinct settings, and shapeless objects. The spaces between the columns, where one would expect a courtyard, were completely walled off by the mist.
Alcor became uncharacteristically agitated. Pacing about like a sulking panther. Allister couldn't understand how a mere voice could unsettle the mighty Alcor.
Alcor ceased his pacing, gently pulling his wrist back, bringing Allister's spirit in close.
"I thought we would have more time. He has found us," Alcor whispered, in agony.
"Who? Who's found us?" Allister's voice cried out from the vial, becoming increasingly distressed.
"SomeThing," Alcor breathed, in such a hush, that Allister barely caught the word kill off his lips.
Alcor ripped the walking stick from his back, tossing it to the floor. Its hollow sound echoed ceaselessly. He disrobed with a ferocity that signaled danger. His magnificent maroon cloak, cast off. Spilling to the floor, like a rushing waterfall.
"Why are you undressing? Please tell me what's happening!" Allister's voice pleaded, again from the vial.
"Hush. He will hear you. Please. You must merge with me." Alcor whispered, shedding his leather belt of artifacts.
"Merge with you? Whatever the devil does that mean?!" Allister replied, from the vial. His spirit, still tied to Alcor's wrist, mirroring his agitation.
Alcor untucked the front of his embroidered tunic. Unbuttoning its front, to expose his chest. Allister couldn't believe his eyes.
There, where Alcor's heart would be, lie an emerald, inlaid in his chest.
"It's—beautiful," Allister whispered, breathless. Without knowing the words upon his lips.
The emerald in Alcor's chest was severely cracked. Allister wondered how it was possible for it to remain intact.
"Contact the emerald. Make haste. It is not safe," Alcor begged, frantic.
Allister, in the spirit, gingerly touched one of his long skinny fingers to the emerald. Upon touching the gem, it emitted a virid ray of light, enveloping him. Allister felt his spirit recede into the stone. Alcor sighed deeply in relief.
