Gaining Souls
Dysterium - Xythe Twistvoid

IV. Redemption

It was not long before they reached Desthaga who had stopped at the banks of a gray yet shimmering river, looking over it. The twins let their brother rest on the soft grass, supporting his back with their hands to prevent him from lying down. As they did they peered into the river, hearts leaping slightly as they saw wispy faces submerged in the substance surrounded by multi-colored fragments. The souls screamed for escape with their gaping mouths, their voices mute underneath the water as they swam franticly towards the gushing flow of the river.

"The Torrent of Lost Souls and Abyss of Destitute Wishes," the Lord of Corruption announced, holding out his hand.

"What are we to do here?" Krievardus inquired, watching with intent. The river seemed to be such a desperate place, where souls spin and cry and wishes are forever left to be unfulfilled.

"We wait for your guide…" Desthaga answered, rolling eyes scanning the river.

Krievardus turned his attention from the stream to the Lord, "Guide?"

Before Desthaga could answer him came the sound of a figure emerging from water. All eyes looked back to the Torrent. An adolescent rose drenched in shining water though he seemed not to mind too much.

His dark, void-like eyes turned to the Lord of Disease. He seemed slightly annoyed, though it was faint. "I am here, Desthaga." he said plainly, though slightly arrogant in its tone. "Why have you summoned me?"

The Lord of Disease grinned at the boy, "I believe I have a task for you, Ixdrion…" he gestured to the three.

"Work?" the boy said, his lips slanting into a one-sided frown, not quite understanding. "They are with you, they are not lost."

"I meant a different task," Desthaga explained, "I will not take them, for I will have nothing but fragmented souls devoid of conscience. I wish for them to complete their souls in the river…"

"But then they are not lost souls. It is not my task but yours. They look almost as sordid as you." Ixdrion said, crossing his arms across his chest casually.

The siblings seemed not to respond to the comment, merely watching the scene as it went on, trying to understand what would become of them.

The way Ixdrion had said it, it seemed to be an insult, but the Lord Desthaga chortled, "The Abyss is not a place for anyone but you and they will be lost there after their souls are complete, alive."

The boy sighed tiredly, dropping his arms, submitting. There was no point in arguing. "Where do you want me to lead them?"

"The realm of Azarelnt seems fit." Desthaga told Ixdrion before turning to the three a small pleasant smile etched on his glutinous face. "I shall meet you on the other side as I'm afraid I cannot accompany you in the path you're taking."

Dicroixz heaved his breath, eyes looking up at the Lord, "Will… that cure… us?"

"The Abyss will heal you of the venom." Desthaga affirmed, "Now quickly, before it decides to talk hold of your breath."

The tables were turned. The siblings looked at each other jubilantly. They were to be cured and sent to the mortal realms. No words from any language could express their joy. They all stood up, including Dicroixz He took his siblings by their hands and ran as fast as his weak and aching legs could take him. This was it, they were saved. They would be able to live their dreams and do what they pleased.

The chains were gone.

Freedom hollered in their minds like a persistent chant. They all leapt from the ground and into the torrent with a splash, laughing like they never did before.

Salvation.

Spinning and spinning, it was too quick and they could only see blurs. Dizzying, they closed their eyes. Heat and cold sensations running through their bodies, it felt uncomfortable. What was happening? More whirling, it felt almost like flying. Spiral, spiral, upwards and downwards again and again; can't hold on much longer. It doesn't stop, it isn't over yet, more heat than cold now, searing. It was painful. Turning frigid now, the heat was leaving, wind rushing into their faces and howling into their ears.

Ixdrion had followed them, watching as souls melded into their incomplete ones. He marveled at the sight and the simplicity of Desthaga's idea.

Of course they would become whole, these souls…

It was a strange, rare sight, these wandering spirits using the completion as a means to get to the mortal realms, reborn as these strange new creatures.

A piece of paper flew into his direction and he caught it, giving it a brief gander and smirking before pocketing it. When it was done, Ixdrion, Prince of Lost Souls took the unconscious siblings by his magick, leading them out of the abyss and his simple task was done.

All three of them fell onto the soft earth, unconsciousness clutching their minds, letting them into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.