Chapter 44
The atmosphere loomed dark and threatening. Having very little light to see, Thaddaeus trudged ahead as if he carried a weight on his shoulders. The air felt so dense he could hardly move. Even so, being motivated he pressed on.
There came violent rumblings on the wind and mysterious whispers with them. Ancient secrets presented themselves in languages long forgotten. This place seemed so very far from Vellstone. Rather, it belonged in the realm of the dead. It felt like walking through the underworld holding hands with death itself.
A chilling cold seeped into the bones of the young warrior, nevertheless, he continued searching through the darkness for his friend. He refused to give up now when he believed Lux needed him most. Flashes of lightning brightened his path every so often. The brief glimpses of light allowed him to realize the ground he walked on consisted only of black clouds. His steps became unsteady. Soon, he felt himself rising in altitude, the clouds elevated him with each step. The density of the air slowly began to change. Breathing came easier, and the light faintly filtered through the darkness as he moved upward.
As Thaddaeus became convinced that he was nearing his destination, he drew his black sword from its sheathe. Bracing for an attack, he stood his ground. However, to his surprise, there was no monster waiting to attack him. He emerged atop the vicious storm he had entered a few hours earlier. The clouds under his feet had lifted him until he exited the darkness altogether. He was confused as to how any of it was possible. He looked around lost in wonder at the incredible sight before him.
The weather appeared calm and peaceful. The clouds above him glowed with the light of the most colorful sunset Thaddaeus had ever seen. Thunder rumbled slowly and quietly. Part of him wanted to stay there forever, but he knew that his time was limited. He began to search for an alternate entrance that would lead him back into the storm. After some time, he realized the truth of the matter. Somehow, it knew that he wasn't supposed to be there so it led him out. Now, it was keeping itself closed off from him.
As time continued to pass, Thaddaeus neared desperation. He needed to get to Lux as soon as possible. He began to consider an outlandish solution. He peered over the edge of the storm. The clouds flowed straight down as if it formed a solid structure. This was the last thing the warrior wanted to do, but he now felt that he had no choice.
With sword in hand, he drew a deep breath and launched himself from the surface. The air immediately tore at his clothes as he flew down the side of the storm. When the time came, he jabbed the black sword, Alexander, into the swirling clouds. Much to his dismay the sword did not slow his descent. It pierced the darkness as if it were only air. For a moment, the reality of him falling to his death became all too real. Then, the glow of his sword caught his eye. He remembered the enchantment Solis had given it. Quickly, he whirled around and cut at the air behind him wildly as he pleaded with the sword to release its energy. At that moment, the black sword seemed to come to life. It glowed more brightly than ever and pulsed with power. An explosion radiated from the edge of the blade hurling Thaddaeus backward. His body shot through the dark clouds and reentered the storm.
The chilling darkness met the young warrior just as violently as the last time. This time, however, the air seemed poisonous and so oppressive that it might crush him. He attempted to begin his search for Lux again, but he only managed a few small steps until he fell to his knees. The very breath in his lungs escaped all too eagerly. Suddenly, a large weight pushed him to the ground. The weight was very clearly located on his back. It was a strange thing. Thaddaeus felt as though a giant stood over him with a foot holding him to the ground. Briefly, the memory of Ignis' warning echoed in his head, and he feared this place was indeed too dangerous, even for a soldier of his capability.
A deep voice rumbled like the crack of thunder, "I let you leave with your life once. You should not have returned."
The trapped warrior struggled under the weight, he barely managed enough breath for a few words, "Kill me if you want, but I won't let you hurt their Tempestas."
There was no response for several moments, only silence. Then, the rumble came back. It sounded as if the voice was laughing. It started quietly, but grew louder as the weight began to lift from his body. The deep rumble of the voice and the oppressive nature of the air faded.
Eventually, Thaddaeus regained enough strength to lift himself up and look around. The darkness was back to normal and there was no sign of the thing that held him down.
His eyes searched back and forth, "Well, it'll take more than some giant monster to stop me."
He brushed himself off and continued his journey through the inside of the dimly lit storm. This part of the trip was much easier than the beginning. The weather was much less foul and the path easier to tread. Gradually, he made his way through the darker areas and found a path which led to the light. Finally, as he reached the end of his journey, he saw the dark form of a man which blocked the source of the shining light. He stopped and shielded his eyes to see more clearly.
"Lux!" He called. "I made it! I'm here to help you!"
The figure turned and slowly walked toward him, "Thaddaeus? By what course of action could you have managed this? This place is dangerous for all except myself."
"Um, yeah. I'm not sure I could even tell you how it happened. But, it doesn't matter because I came to help you. I realized that nothing in my life has mattered until I met you. It didn't matter because I only ever cared about myself. I didn't know there was another way. Then, I met you guys and learned the importance of family. I figured out that I saved Ignis because of your influence. I didn't even hesitate. Now I understand the true value of your role as Tempestas; you can bring about change. You changed me. No one else could come after you because it was too dangerous. So here I am to ensure your safety."
Lux smiled, "Thaddaeus, I truly appreciate the sentiment, but you must not throw away your life so eagerly. Your failures are no greater than any other. I am glad we could help you, and that you have come to aid me on this journey. However, it is necessary for me to complete this task alone as the Tempestas. The way will be open for you to depart in peace. I will be along shortly."