Chapter 217: Your Friends are Waiting for You
Purgatory, The Land Where Life and Death Intersect
POV of Domeric Bolton
"Did you notice anything unusual about the color of your tattoo when you first came into this world?" Lady Death asked.
"Yeah. The Circle and Line were black, while the triangle was red. I couldn't figure out why." Domeric said thoughtfully.
"That's because it showed you only had a third of your power. I attached the other two-thirds to the other two souls equally and sent them to this world. Frankly, I thought it wouldn't hurt for you to have a few friends." Lady Death said to Domeric, then turned and spoke to Lady Terra, who opened her mouth to speak.
"And the two new souls I sent are merely carriers of Domeric's power. They have no way of using that power. Furthermore, to ensure their safety, I created a bond between them and Domeric. The three of them can't harm or betray each other. All Domeric has to do is touch them, and their power will pass to Domeric." Lady Death said.
More friends for him? Besides, Lady Death had guaranteed they couldn't harm or betray each other. Frankly, Domeric doubted he'd enjoy such a forced relation.
He opened his mouth to speak, but this time Lady Death turned towards him and said before he could. "You don't like such a forced situation, do you? But there are some things you should consider. First, they were the only way I could deliver your power to you. Are you really incapable of showing such flexibility in exchange for a power that can help you resist the White Walkers? Also, when I mentioned being friends, I meant it. The people I sent are your friends from your old world."
"What? Why? Who? Where are they now? When did they arrive in this world?" Domeric managed to use all the W-questions in literature in a single sentence.
"Well... to tell you the truth, they're just parallel world versions of your old-world friends. I mean, you've never met them before, but you know each other. That's what the multiverse is like. You get used to it with time."
Lady Death said, and Domeric was stunned. Parallel-world versions of his old friends? Frankly, Domeric didn't know what to think about that.
In his old world, Domeric had few people he could call friends, but they were all very dear to him. But parallel versions? Could he truly form the same friendships with them? Domeric was skeptical.
"I don't want to share who they are because it's more fun this way, but as I said, only one of them has descended into this world, and the other is still waiting. For it to descend into this world, you need to receive your power from the person who is already here. And I do not know that person's whereabouts either. I've placed a powerful shield around that person's soul so the Young Gods can't detect it. If it's not near me, even I can't sense its whereabouts." Lady Death said and paused to take a sip of her tea.
"Why did you choose my friends? Or some versions of them? And who are they? I really need to know. Please." Domeric asked Lady Death again at this point.
"Because I needed two souls to send your power here, and your friends, or versions of them, found themselves in the Soul Destroyer, just like you. Of course, unlike you, they weren't there of their own volition. So, I saved them, found the souls I needed, and sort of sent your friends instead of sending complete strangers to you. Many birds with one stone. You know," Lady Death said, seeming pleased with her own work.
And then she continued, "As for who they are, let me give you a clue now: they are part of the group that came with you to the Ministry of Magic to rescue Sirius Black. Don't worry, I'll tell you their real identities before I leave here."
Those who came with Domeric to the Ministry of Magic to rescue Sirius? That certainly narrowed down Domeric's list. But not by much. After all, how many people in his old world could he truly call friends?
Domeric paused for a moment, thinking. And how many people in this world could he truly call friends? Certainly, fewer than in his old world. Domeric felt the urge to question whether he was doing something wrong.
But now wasn't the time for such thoughts. He would deal with that later. Those who had come with him to the Ministry of Magic...
Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, and Ginny...
Of these five, two had come to this world. At least two variations of them had come to this world.
Domeric didn't think Ginny was one of them. He and Ginny had been more than friends at one time, but after Ginny's betrayal, their relationship had become even colder than strangers.
So, he doubted Lady Death would call Ginny, or any variation of her, a friend, or send her to this world. At least, he hoped not.
"Ginny isn't among those who have come. Don't worry." Lady Death's voice brought him out of his musings.
"I see. Thank you," Domeric said, relieved.
That left four possibilities. And all four were people dear to him. He had to find them, no matter what.
"How can I find them?" Domeric asked in a determined voice.
"Frankly, there's no clear method. My advice to you is to travel more and interact with more people. I'd focus on your soul when sending them. Therefore, their souls will inhabit the most suitable host body closest to you. They shouldn't be too far from you. You'll likely find them on the same continent as you. They'll most likely inhabit a host body close to your age. That's why you should interact more with your peers and touch them in some way. A handshake will do the trick. This way, you'll be able to make a definitive conclusion. Other than that, my only advice is to trust your instincts." Lady Death said.
"I see. Thanks for the advice," Domeric said, and a silence fell over the Grand Hall as no one spoke for a while.
"What happens now?" Domeric asked, breaking the silence.
"Now you must tell me your decision as to whether or not you will be my champion," said Lady Death.
---------------
Author's Note: You folks can also read up to +60 chapters on my P@treon Page as an early access privilege.
You can also read "+3 Free Chapter" and see some pictures as aFree Member.
www.patreon.com/vanguard_v
P@treon Page Name: V For Vanguard
Next Chapters' Name:
Ch.218: System
Ch.219: Golden Orb
Ch.220: A Letter from Sirius