The Arcana Julian Devorak Reversed

The Fool

I've been traveling with Scout and Malek for what seems like ages. It's been impossible to tell. Who knows... time is all messed up since the Devil combined the realms. It could've been hours, or it could've been years. But it doesn't matter. I will keep going even if my feet bleed or my bones break. I will walk until the end of time if that's what it takes for me to see my love again.

We walk through deserts and plains. We cross oceans and pass through forests. Each day we walk until we are exhausted before we stop to rest and make camp. There's no way of differentiating between day and night but Scout and I have fallen into a rhythm. Every time we stop to rest for sleep, I toss and turn.  When I do eventually drift off, my mind is filled with visions of Julian constantly drinking. With each passing dream, he seems to change a little more. I can't place my finger on it but there is something sadder, darker about him. Please hold on, Julian, my love. I'm coming for you.

Eventually, we come to a particularly dark bog. As we walk it becomes darker and more ominous. The shadows begin to elongate and seemingly transform into sinister shapes. There is a red hazy fog rolling in from sickly-looking mangrove trees. There is a strong acrid smell in the air that leaves a metallic taste in the back of my throat. Just up ahead, I hear a burst of laughter I haven't heard in a long time. We continue to walk ahead and there he is. That goat bastard Lucio.

"Looking for someone?" He sneers.  I glare daggers at him. "As a matter of fact, I am. Where's Julian?" A shadow crosses Lucio's features. "I can't believe you're looking for that idiot doctor. That worthless piece of trash sacrifices himself to the Devil to protect you, yet you still end up in hell. I only made deals that increased my greatness. Why doesn't anyone come looking for me?"

"First of all, don't you dare talk about him like that... nobody gives a shit about you. And, what do you mean here in hell?" I spit at him, and Lucio just scoffs. "This is where the goblins brought me, but not like it matters where they would've taken me. Ever since the realms have been combined, there is not much difference. Everywhere is hell now. At least you and that dithering idiot are also suffering in agony just as much as I am. You're never going to find him. You probably wouldn't even recognize him if you saw him." I can feel my face get redder as my temperature rises. " You know where he is, don't you?" Lucio smirks.  "Aw Leila, you fool, there's no sense in getting upset just because you can't find your pathetic weakling boyfriend."

"I SAID DON'T TALK ABOUT HIM LIKE THAT!" I conjure a magical fireball and hit Lucio dead center in his chest. With Lucio caught off guard, he loses balance and falls to the ground. I walk up to him, stomp on his chest and lean in over him. "I've had enough of your shit! Where is he?"  Lucio sputtered and choked out, "Ok, ok, he's north of the Blue Moss Forest." I release, Lucio and he scrambles away, trembling in fear, never taking his eyes off me. With my eyes glowing full of fire, I take a menacing step forward. Lucio flinches back. "I swear on all that's pure. If we don't find him, I will come back here and end you. Do you think you are in hell now? I will teach you the meaning of hell hath no fury." With that Scout, Malek, and I walk away leaving Lucio to cower in the bog.

This area which Lucio called hell, seems to bend and flex. Even what seems to be short distances between trees end up being miles. We can see a copse of trees glowing with a blue light just over the horizon. This must be the Blue Moss Forest. The more we travel, the harder it is to get closer. I can tell the Devil doesn't want me to reach Julian. Still, we press on. After what feels like an eternity of travel, we finally manage to get to the North side of the forest.

A single door with no building attached is standing in the middle of a clearing. Hanging from the signpost outside the door is the sign that reads The Hanged Raven. This is is it; I know it in my heart. After all this time and travel, we have finally made it to him. I anxiously look at Scout. She nods and gives a reassuring woof. I turn the handle and go in.