Meteor Effect

How Three Became One 4: Do I keep on running?

"How wouldn't it be worth it?" Avar hisses.

"The evil you face has life draining magic, and if you manage to defeat it you won't walk away that same," As Vex explains she forms a glowing crystal of pure magic.

"I understand the risks," Avar nods, "Just let me put his memory to rest."

Vex nods gently and gives him the magic, "I hope you don't regret this decision."

Avar nods as he bows and prepares to leave, "I shall return when the job is done."

As he leaves the mansion Menko, Creed, and Eunoia crowd around him.

"Why did you just rush off like that?" Menko asks as he brushes Azie's scales softly, "We were so worried."

"How did you find me?" Avar asks, "I told Underhill not to say anything."

"That's how we found you, he wasn't talking so we checked here."

"I have a job to do," Avar prepares himself, "And I have to do it alone."

"No," Creed snaps, "You can't keep pushing us away."

"We can help you," Eunoia murmurs.

Avar turns from them, "Fine, come just don't get in my way."

The three exchange an uneasy look, "Ok," Menko finally says, "We'll follow you, anywhere you take us."

Starting a simple tracking spell Avar takes off towards the source.The trip is silent and uneasy.

_____

It takes days of travel across withering and dead lands but they finally make it to the place where the wither is waiting.

Once more they fight. Avar is pushed to his limits and the others do their best to keep up, helping however they can.

After what feels like hours Hecatos falls to the ground as more black roses appear around his body.

"Feel better?" Menko asks as he wraps Avar in a hug.

Softly Avar whispers, "Yeah, he's been avenged, and the world is safe again."

After properly destroying the body the team of four stagger back to the Inn.

As they start the walk back Avar keeps tripping over nothing.

"Are you ok?" Menko asks, "It's getting late, let's stop for the night."

Avar protests lightly but complies.

"Uh Aver?" Eunoia asks, "Is your arm ok?"

"Hmm, oh yeah, it's just covered in ash," He waves her off, he yawns, "I think I'm going to sleep early tonight."

"That fight really drained you?" Menko gently teases, "You take a break and get cleaned off I'll call you when foods ready.

Avar nods and walks down to the river. As he returns the ash and grime has washed away.

He eats with the others before falling asleep.

"Is he ok?" Menko whispers as he looks over to Creed.

She shrugs, "I think so, he's just exhausted."

_______

It isn't until a few days later when they spot the problem. Avar's eyes are glowing... he's still not feeling good, but it's almost like he's starting to glow from the inside out.

Ash flakes from his arms as he gains more and more magic.

"Does it hurt?" Creed asks as she pours some water over the ash.

"Not really," Avar shrugs, "Just feels weird, kinda like polymorph."

Eunoia hums, "Looks like a really slow polymorph, do you want me to try dispel magic?"

"Sure."

As she brushes the magic she yelps, "There's definitely something there, hey Ko, come help me with this."

Menko walks over and helps her with the spell. By the end of it, Avar looks quite a bit better. He's still glowing but the crumbling has stopped.

"Thank you," Avar pants, "I think Vex's warning was right. I think I have his magic."

"Oh no."