Witches and Devils

Descensum

Testing day comes quickly, the witches come to the school, none of them look very pleased that Cordelia had decided to entertain us, by allowing Michael to take the tests. Of course, Michael passes the first six wonders with ease and grace. Pyrokinesis, Vitalum Vitalis, Divination, Transmutation, Concilium and Telekinesis. All that remains is Descensum. The Witches stand across from Michael. Madison, Zoe, Cordelia and Myrtle. The Warlock council standing beside Michael.

Cordelia takes a small step forward, "And so we arrive at the final test, Descensum. But today I am not asking you to perform this wonder. Today I am asking you to conquer it. I'd like you to retrieve my dear friend Misty Day, who lost her battle with this very task."

"That's impossible." Chablis calls out, rather shocked she would ask such a thing. "Those who don't return from Descensum are gone forever; property of the underworld."

Behold nods, continuing Chablis' thought, "No other Supreme's been made to do this, ever. This is not only unfair, this is suicide."

I take a small step forward, moving in front of Michael, "Now now, everyone. The Alpha is said to be the most powerful Supreme to ever walk the Earth. Michael will have no issue with this task. He will pass it with flying colors, as he has the past six."

"Cordelia," Ariel looks from me to Cordelia, "A word, please."

Ariel and Cordelia make a quick exit. As they do, Michael looks down to me and smiles, "Do you really think I'll be able to do this?"

I nod and smile, "of course, you are the most powerful Warlock I've ever seen. There is no doubt in my mind."

"I'll be back in a moment." Michael nods, before heading off in the direction Ariel and Cordelia went. Before long the three of them return. Michael walking back up to me and placing his forehead to mine, "I promise, I will return. You have taught me enough to do at least that." I smile softly and before Michael can pull away, I lean in and kiss him. Michael looks at me a bit shocked, before smiling.

I hear Madison scoff, "He's with a Warlocken Witch and he turned me down?"

"Don't listen to her," Michael places his fingers on my chin before I can turn my head toward Madison, "You are and will be my only Queen." Michael moves from me and lays in the middle of the room, starting the chanting of the spell, "Deduce me in tenebris vita ad extremum, ut salutaret inferi." Michael repeats this three times, "Descensum." This last word echoes as Michael's eyes open then close again.

I take a deep breath as his soul leaves his body. We start what we all know can be a long wait, as long as he is back by sunrise, that's all that matters. As I begin to pace, Cordelia asks the men to leave, once they are gone she looks over to me, "Rose, have you been helping Michael pass the Seven Wonders?"

"What?" I shake my head.

"I mean, there is no way a man could truly pass them, not on his own."

I shake my head again, "Michael isn't passing them with any help from me. All he has from me is support and teachings." I chuckle, "how powerful would someone have to be to help someone else pass the Seven Wonders?"

"I don't know. But I was hoping you would."

"I'm sorry, Ms. Cordelia. But I'm not helping him."

"Of course, I'm sorry I accused you."

Another 30 minutes pass and the men come back into the room, sitting at the table in the corner of the library. Michael sits up, quickly with a loud gasp. As he does we all move toward him, I hit my knees, hugging Michael, who hugs me back. Madison crosses her arms, "Well, that's that. C'est la vie."

Ariel looks across to Cordelia, "This was not a fair test."

Cordelia looks down to Michael, "what happened? Where's Misty?"

Myrtle scoffs, "Isn't it obvious, dear? She's right where she's been for the last..." Before Myrtle can finish a pool of dust appears next to Michael. Hissing as it spins, forming one Misty Day.

Cordelia gasps and drops to her knees, placing her hands on Misty's face. "Misty. Misty."

I smile over to Michael, "You did it!" I chuckle.

We get Michael up and he tries to regain his balance on his own. While Cordelia, Misty and the other witches have their small celebration. Misty hugging the girls, but when she hugs Queenie she looks over to Michael and takes a few shakey steps back. But our focus is quickly moved to Cordelia, who's nose has begun bleeding. "Oh, my God." Cordelia wipes her nose.

"What's happening?" Queenie looks over to Myrtle.

Ariel steps up beside Michael, "What always happens when a new Supreme rises."

Chablis nods, "The old one fades away."

"We demand what's ours."

Myrtle, who is helping Misty to support Coderlia, shakes her head, "You are a pathetic pompous ass."

Michael lifts his head, "I did everything you asked. I descended into hell and I did what you couldn't. I brought her back. I passed the Seven Wonders. Unless you want to add another one."

"Now now, everyone, please." I step toward the two groups, "let's please remain civilized." I turn to Ariel, "We will give them time to consider what must be done. Michael cannot take his place as Supreme until Cordelia is gone," I look over to Cordelia, "Knowing her, she isn't going anywhere, anytime soon." I look back to the men, "Which gives us time to truly prepare Michael."

"No." I hear Cordelia call out. "No. There can be no doubt. Michael is the next supreme." As she says this Cordelia collapses.