"It always has to bloody raining, why can't I ever end up in a nice place for a change." But no matter how much I openly complained about my problems, it always leads to the same thing. Mainly me having to open up another portal as another one of Sophie's Earth Golem attempts to dive-bomb me from the cliffs above me.

Thankfully, I only have to endure another dozen attempts from Sophie's acrobatic Golem's as the cliffs begin to fall away. However, {That's one long fall.} The other half of my brain pipes in as I stare down into the abyss of this world's plane.

Out of luck again. I have to come up with a plan, preferably before the horde of Golem's regroup and gang up on me.

Now then. What to do, what to do. I've already checked every corner of this blasted plane for an exit, and there's no going up to break through the planes barrier either, and there's defiantly no going down into the void and try to break the magic seal.

At least I haven't seen the Cornelio unit yet since I'd rather avoid needless violence and bloodshed if possible.

Speaking of avoiding things, here comes the horde of waist length Golems. I'll give Sophie some credit for her creations, the little bastards don't run out of energy anyway as quickly as most other Golems.

Setting the standard runaway plan in motion, the other me pipes in with his ideas as I begin to set off a teleportation formation. {Why not make a defensive formation, they can't attack, and you'll be free to have a pleasant stroll around the place.}

[Good idea, though you seemed to have forgotten; once again, that my speciality is in void magic and not fortification spells. Having a shield that'll keep the munchkin's from biting my ankles and Cornelio's unit away will have me drained before I'm back out the canyon.]

{I never said to produce a shield. Instead, why don't you...} But before he could finish that sentence my mind wanders back to reality as I have to portal one of the Golems away as it jumped at me. With no time left, I activate the teleportation formation and direct it to the flat and desolate plains on the other side of the island.

Arriving in a flash of blinding light, immediately two things popped up in my mind. Number one was that I had forgotten to leave a bomb back at the cliff face to incinerate some Golems. And the second thought was, who has the knowledge to diverged my formations while in mid-transit.

{It's probably a trap.} Again other me pipes in with some useless info. Since considering, I was meant to be on the other side of the island by now, and not in it's blasted centre. Anyone with half a brain could figure that out. {Funny you should mention that.}

Ignoring the remarks of the inferior me. {I heard that.} I prepare a movement spell and aim toward the desolate tundra, since being three hundred meters from the canyon containing the small waist length horde is a place I'd rather not be near.

But alas, I didn't even get the chance to move a millimetre before a trap triggered underneath me. Celestial light filled my immediate surroundings and blinded me. A few seconds later, and not only was my magic restrained, but a ten by ten dome of light had me trapped. {Yeah this is definably a trap.}

[Nice to see that your observation skills are still functioning Caption Obvious. Now do me a favour and figure out a way to undo this spell before the cavalry arrives.]

{Alright, calm down Captain Serious. Keep and eye out for enemies while I begin to unravel this spell, shouldn't take too long for someone of my expertise.}

Ignoring his remarks, I start to look for any clues of my assailants. But other than the desolate plains and sporadic hills that make up the island's centre, it was empty. Not even a single one of Sophie's scout Golem's were visible. [This can't be good, the Cornelio unit has to be up to something.]

{Nice observational skills.}

[Less of the sass. Have you figured out what type of spell I've triggered?]

In a sombre tone, that I though an ethereal voice could produce answered my question. {Yes I do, and I do believe we're going to meet the culprits very soon.} I wanted to ask more information about the cryptic answer he just gave me. However, portals opening up all around me ruined that chance, and men with black armour streaming out of them.

Well if the Council's insists on sending these many people to capture me, the least I can do is greet them with a smile. "Well if it isn't my old 'friend's'. How have you been doing? I see you've recruited a few more members since I last saw you." But the only reply given to me is silence. Hmm, oh in the back there's someone I know. "Ashley how long has it been since we last met. It seems you've even gotten a promotion or two, have the Council run out of competent people already."

To my last remark, even the calm and composed Ashley can't help but reveal her true bitchy nature. "Shut it, William. You know perfectly well how we've been you bastard." Some people never change, she's still the same: blonde hair, gorgeous figure, lovely face and a stuck up attitude that'll drive men mad, though it does seem that she's gone for a flamy red dress instead of her regular revealing clothes.

But ignoring someone's fashion sense, I nonchalantly reply to her rather rude remark. "To be fair, I did warn you not to touch the device I was experimenting on. It's not my fault that you were too idiotic to listen to some simple advice."

Though all my words did was to fuel her fire of hate. "Don't give me that bullshit, I..." But; praise be to Sol, another one of my old friends jumps into the conversation at this point.

"Will you calm down and focus Ashley, you and William can have your petty marital dispute later. Remember what we came here for and don't get sidetracked." The new more gentle voice says as it does it job to berate Ashley whenever she does something silly.

Though the soft voice doesn't suit the brawny six foot four man, whose shaggy brown hair is the epitome of not caring, and whose face only a mother could love, and; for our amusement, it was all wrapped up in a fashion sense that was even worse than a corpse's. The very image of Stephany. Of course, I had to greet this friend. "Steph's, it so lovely to see you, how's the wife and kids doing. Does little Stephany Junior miss his old Uncle, William."

"Stop your ramblings, William, your talking won't give you extra time to escape this time." Just you wait, other me's probably already cracked your stupid trap. "Your other half won't be able to break this trap."

{Wanna bet.} Other me really does like to take bets with people. Especially when it proves them wrong.

"Hand over the artefact William. If you cooperate with us then this chase can end today, and I promise the council won't harm you. You have my word, William." Even if the gentle voice sounds firm, I can see the exhaustion in his eyes. We've all reached or limit. However...

I shake my head to the proposal he's given me countless times, and I give him the same answer I gave numerous times. "You know why I need this artefact Steph, why can't you just leave me alone to do my research. You of all people should be aware how much trouble I've gone, though." My reply falls flat, however, as the natural firmness isn't there like it used to be. This chase has been too exhausted and a big time waster.

Though wallowing in self-pity seems to be detrimental at this point, since Ashley's mouth still seems to want revenge. "Just let you go. You've little research project has caused enough damage already. Remember the incident in Florence, four thousand lives were lost and for what cause. That's right, all for your project." Re-opening old wounds I see.

“I remember that day perfectly well." The usual flair in my voice is gone. I never have the energy to discuss this subject. "What I remember is you and your minions damaging a stable and safe project. I remember you lot digging through all the machinery in search of its core." Meeting her glare head on, I continue the story. "But what I remember most of all, is spending ten years in a collapse sub-space due to the core's collapse. You think you had it bad in there, at least you weren't being chased daily by the same people who also got stuck in there, oh and let's not forget about the monster's that were inhabiting the plane. Wouldn't want to leave those guys out."

However, Ashley's ego couldn't take the blame I was saying and used the same justification she gave to me, and to the Emperor. "Our fault William. Look at yourself first, before you blame others. Who of us here was the one tinkering with old machinery? You said it was stable, but would a stable machine begin to collapse after a few things were taken out." Yes, it would, mainly because the machine was still bloody running. But even if I berate her it won't lead to anywhere; she never was the smartest person.

However, blaming the collapse on my tinkering wasn't enough for her justification. "Its collapse was the perfect example of the devastation it could have caused if it was left in your hands any longer. You try to play the victim by saying we caused its collapse, but all we DID was stop a potential cataclysm that could have claimed more lives than the four thousand mortals who became trapped due to your research failing."

“Oh Ashley, you always think your right, don't you." Mimicking her voice. I start on my little rant. "The core is collapsing, is it because we've torn out parts of it, no, must be because it's a dangerous machine, quick take more stuff out." It seems I've ruffled her feathers a bit. Let's see what else I can do. "You were always so full of yourself Ashley is that the reason Victor loves you so much, well before he escaped the collapse without you that is."

The last remark of mine hit her deepest wound and regret. Though seeing the menagerie of colour, her face went through as she tried to keep herself under control was amusing in itself. Eventually, though her face settles on a scarlet red colour and her direct threat echoed that. "Enough with the bravado William. Now hand other the artefact before you learn the turn reason of why they call me the Nefarious Flame Witch."

However, my attention was on the angry Ashley, but on Stephany, who currently had his head in his hands. Eventually, Ashley's stupidity was too much, and Steph's finally decided to intervene. "God damn it Ashley! Stop antagonising him! And stop getting angered by him as well! By Zeraf's light, which idiotic Demon Lord thought it'd be a good idea to bring you along." Seeing Ashley squirm under Steph's gaze will always be fun to see, but it's not long before he turns said gaze towards me.

"Look, William we can still work this out, Ashley's the only one blaming you for the disaster, and we both know she's taking her frustration out on you because of Victor and the five years she spent in there." I still fail to see why I should shoulder the bulk of her frustration.

"But now, we're here to help. I mean look at yourself, your even worse off than us." He's right, I've lost too much weight, my beard and have overgrown and my clothes are in tatters; only help in place by an improvised spell and any material I can get my hands on the to stitch things back together.

But, "I can't stop now."

"Sure you can." Stephany, replies back in a more cheerful voice. He was always the voice of reason in our group, even if he had the worst fashion sense of us all.

But to his enthusiasm, I can only shake my head. "No, I really can't.” Then directing my gaze upward I call out to our other guest. “Isn't that right Bradly?" As I look up to the sky, I see the same glowing silhouette that's haunted me throughout the years. The shape of the Council's chief enforcer, my best friend and the only person in recent years to have dual affinities with both Light and Celestial magic.

"Still observant as ever aren't you, seems the years haven't dulled your senses at all, my friend." His booming voice says as his body of light descends to us.

Even as the chief pursuer himself joins the fray, I can't help but echo out some words he told me years ago. "Even when meeting with an old friend you only bring out a superficial avatar to greet them. Weren't you the one who said it was disrespectful to meet people without your main body."

But the buzz kill Lord himself gives a justified reason for why a simple avatar of light is his replacement. "My main body is needed elsewhere, every since you killed a view of the council elders I've had to fill in for them. Besides we can meet face to face later, so my avatar is sufficient enough to bring you back."

"Yes, peace though dive-bombing Golems, just another one of the many ways the Council's enforcer enforces his peace. Where have I heard that one before?"

"Save your delusions, William. We both know Sophie's Golems can't hurt you even if there were thousands of them, they were meant to exhaust you. Besides, even that strategy failed in the end with your teleportation skills. But now with your entrapment, you should know you cannot escape." Stretching out a blob of light from himself he continues. "Give me the artefact William, with the position I'm currently in I can get the council to help you with your research again. They can help you find Euphemia's soul. Just not with that artefact."

Euphemia.

That names come up less and less these years. It seems Bradly's one of the only people who still remembers the reason this all started, even after all these years. But, "This artefact took her soul, it's my only link to finding her. You know how vast the void is Bradly, without some sort connection there's no another way of finding her." The once resolute voice I had while antagonising Ashley is gone. What remains is the weak voice that has replied to Bradly on more than one occasion.

"William for the love of Sol stop resisting. At the rate you're going your going to do more irreparable harm to yourself, why can't you see that the artefact you're claiming to be your salvation is nothing more than a ticking time bomb."

"Bradly, do you think I don't know the risks I'm taking. If I had any other way I would take it, but I still run. Why? Because I don't have any other options left to me."

"It's different now. The Council can help. The research diversion that you were in charge of has figured a way to traverse the void safely, without the need to tinker with old artefacts. That's how much we care for you. That's how much we want you back."

But even with all his care towards me, the real nature of Bradly shows itself after he finished trying to persuade me. “Don't make us use force to subjugate you, I've given you enough chances already, the Council won't let me let you go anymore. There won't be another night at the Cradle club like the last time I found you."

[He always did think his double affinity made him special. But I can't win if I fight everyone here. I've only got one option left.]

{Does this mean?}

[Yes. Bring up the data we've gathered and begun preparation to cast the formation.]

{This is going to end badly. Why is the other half of me so bloody suicidal sometimes.} I ignore my other half's worries. Instead, I pull out the artefact Euphemia left behind.

It's quite the simple object when you look at it. A grey cylinder spotted with sporadic holes. Quite the misleading thing; give one glance at it, and you'll probably leave it alone.

But the truth lies in the symbols sketched on the outside and the ancient writing scrawled on its inside. Twenty years ago Euphemia figured out what the words on the cylinder were if only I were more resolute in stopping her. Then maybe she wouldn't have cast the spell which stole her soul and flung it into the void.

Seeing me pull out the artefact and in a sombre mood, Bradly had become ecstatic about my change of heart. "You've made the right choice William. Soon this whole ordeal will be over. Ashley, lower the trap and let him out."

However, Ashley, disobedient as ever, took offence to this idea. "Let him go! This is the first time we've caught him in a decade, and you want to let this bastard go?! You've must of gone as mad as he has!"

"Just do as I say Ashley and don't ruin my mood! Besides he's harmless now that I've finally managed to persuade his rational side." Well, he's half right, he's persuaded me to do the experiment I dare not to do casually.

"This is still a bad idea in my opinion Bradly." Even though she says this Ashley still, begrudgingly, lowers the trap and I, With the spell preparing I, begin walking to Bradly.

Though I do give my other half a warning as I proceed. [Make sure he doesn't detect the spell or it's the end of us.] No response. Good, it's too busy focusing on its task to deal with me.

As I walk closer and closer sweat begins to form on my brow. "You're doing the right thing. You'll see, the Council's resources will easily find your darling's soul." I wince at his words. Even to this day, I'm still the only one able to see his lies.

I doubt the Council were able to do something that not even I could do in the decade since I've been gone.

Thankfully, my arrogant friend still doesn't seem to have noticed my formation, that or he just doesn't think the spell I gathered can harm him.

Nearing the outstretched light tendril not only do I put the cylinder in it which the blob shakes at, but I also activate the formation I prepared. Both of us light up and even without a face the blob looks surprised. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" He screams as Celestial power is gathered to force me out. But it's useless.

As the cylinder starts to glow, the weird marking starts emitting an eerily light as the formation grows bigger and engulfs us both as answer Bradly with a smile. "I'm using the council's resources as you so gracefully offered and since your their lapdog I'll use your body to try out a new experiment I've been working on." Its do or die now.

I begin chanting the word's that I deciphered from the artefact, and I use the formation I've set up to force more and more of my own power into it and syphon more of Bradly's power into the cylinder.

It only took a few seconds. But I can sense that Stephany has moved; seems he's the only capable one that came along. But it's too late. My power has almost been sucked dry, and Bradly's avatar has been reduced to the size of my palm just as the incantation finished.

The device began to glow and begins to spread up my arm. Whereas Bradly's avatar started to expand, but unlike a normal expansion of mana, this avatar just balloons out, until it's only kept together by some unseen force stretching the leftover mana out. Coinciding with my body being covered in the devices strange glow the avatar pops with one big bang and the entire area is covered in an extreme force of light.

Many of the weaker people have collapsed due to the sound, while everyone else was momentarily blinded, even Steph was forced back. Meanwhile, I begin to black out, not because of the proximity of the spell, but due to my soul and body being forcibly dragged through the void and forced together into one being.