Trials of a Planeswalker Ch. 02: Fall

"Wow. That was pretty good." Henry said, his eyes wide as he looked around them.

"Varia." Avacyn said, striding over to them, "How have you gotten in trouble with this kind of foe? The Phyrexians are ancient and dangerous, I have heard tales from Sorin of the horrors they wrought."

"I don't know, this is my and Blayne's home. We have been fighting with all our might to keep this plague down. Believe me, I would not have called on you unless I had no other choice. The leader of the Pyrexians, the Praetor, we did not have the power to defeat him and his army alone, I knew you were our only hope." Varia sighed, rubbing her face. "I hope you are not angry with me for pulling you away from Innistrad. I'm sorry."

"Do you think I would only help when it was convenient for me? Nay Varia, I will always come to the aid of those who need me." Avacyn smiled kindly, ruffling her wings and folding them behind herself.

Varia exhaled in relief and Blayne's face lit-up like a Christmas tree "This is great. With your help, we should be able to clean up the plague in no time at all!"

"Would that were true Blayne, but I am afraid I cannot remain here." Avacyn said solemly. "This world is not rich in mana. I cannot maintain my full power here. On Innistrad, I can draw strength from the faith of my followers. Here I have only that which I bring with me. Further more, my first duty is to Innistrad. I cannot permit my vigilance to waver in the defense of my plane. I must return ere long."

Varia looked devastated, but then Avacyn reached out to cup Varia's cheek, "Worry not my child, for I shall not forsake you either. The faith of a Blessed Valiant is enough to sustain one angle, and that is no small thing"

"But... How can one angel make a difference against this endless horde?" Varia snapped, her eyes burning with tears and anger, "I want to save this world, I want to protect the lives that are threatened by this vile infestation in danger because of this vile foe. What if we share you with this world, make them believe in you?"

"True faith does not come easily, Varia. It would take generations for the people of this world to embrace me as their guardian in their very souls. The devotion I feel on Innistrad had to be earned and freely given. But do not despair, for the angel I leave you is the one whose power stands above all the others." Avacyn tilted her head toward the sky and called out "Gisela, come to me!"

From the hosts that circled above them, one angel descended and landed next to Avacyn: a beautiful woman with flowing red hair. Heavy silver armor covered her chest and shoulders. From the waist down a fluttering white skirt rippled about her knees, the symbol of Avacyn etched in gold on the front of it. Two shining silver swords hung at her hips. She bowed to Avacyn and turned to the others.

"Gisela, my most trusted lieutenant, one of my faithful strives to protect the innocent and weak of this world against a foe darker than any other. It is my wish that you remain here and fight at her side, helping her in this noble goal." Avacyn said to the angel.

"Happily Mi'Lady. I shall fight as valiantly for he as I do for you." Gisela said, bowing her head to Avacyn.

"Varia, I wish you well. If you need my help again, you may call upon me again. Just know that I cannot remain in this world for long. Stay safe!" Avacyn said, spreading her wings. She leapt into the sky. They watched together as she and her host disappeared into clouds scattered across the heavens.

"I will never get used to seeing her. She is so amazing!" Robin squealed from the railing of the ship.

"Gisela, I thank you for staying and helping me." Varia said, bowing to the angel, "I didn't mean any disrespect when I said those words before. I should know more than most what a difference a single being can make."

Gisela nodded, and then she walked over to Blayne and took his hand in hers.

"Keeping one's world safe is a heavy burden, one I am proud to bare alongside you and your friends. Do not worry, for in Avacyn's name, I swear my sword to defending you and the people of this world." Gisela said proudly.

Blayne smiled, looking up at the bright sky above them. Their foe finally had a face, one that that would take all their might to overcome. But now they had another ally to stand beside them in their fight. He knew, that if Avacyn said Gisela was enough to make a difference, together they had a chance.

*******

CHAPTER 27 - PLANS UNFOLD

The Radiant Dawn was floating idly a few miles from Manhattan. They could see the buildings and structures around the edge of the isle. They were covered with Phyrexian sludge and a few abominations could be seen floating around them or clinging to their disgusting structure. All of them were standing on the deck of the ship, staring at the foe beneath them.

"I don't see a way through. The Dawn is strong, but if all those things attacked at once it would be torn to pieces before we reach the center of the island." Jhoira explained.

"And even if we make it in there, are you sure that you, Gisela and I could be enough to take the Praetor down?" Henry asked with a touch of nervousness in his voice.

"I'd like to hope, but you're probably right. We need to get more power. Without a serious amount of mana at our disposal, we can't all fight at full strength. Henry, you have your Pearl. The fireballs can make use of this." Blayne said, holding up the Ruby Mox. He sighed and rubbed his face, "But that's it. If I can get a sapphire and we can get Varia a... A... What kind of gem would represent black?"

"Jet Moxen. Sorin has one, I know it. I've seen him use it when he's away from Innistrad." Varia said, "I can go to Innistrad and use an enchanted orb in his fortress to contact him wherever he is. He made it in case Avacyn needed his help, but he also taught me to use it."

"So is this going to be it then? We stay here and defend the world while you guys gather power?" Maria asked, running a hand through her hair, "Even with a Mox, we can't hold out all day for weeks."

"That's why Robin, Jhoira and I will also remain to help you." Henry said, "Robin and Jhoira have the power of the Radiant Dawn at their disposal and I have my own Mox."

"The Radiant Dawn can be our mobile headquarters and you two can rest here between battles. That way we can all travel at once." Jhoira smiled.

"This can work. If both Vaira and I can get a Mox, we'll have enough power to take on the Praetor directly." Blayne nodded, looking up into the air. Gisela landed lightly on the deck, sheathing her swords as she walked over ton them, "Gisela, what have you found out?"

"For now the plague is contained on the island. Not even a spore has attempted to leave. If I didn't know any better, I'd say he was scared. But it's more likely that he's planning and waiting. Its possible he believes Avacyn is still on this plane. He may not yet know she has gone." Gisela said, pointing over her shoulder.

"That can work in our favor. There are other sites of infection around the world. Jhoira and I can keep watch here while the three of you can go out and clean them up. If we can push the outbreak back to Manhattan, it'll be a lot easier to destroy when Varia and Blayne get back." Robin suggested.

"I'm okay with that, but how will we travel along the entire coast without the airship?" Maria pointed out, "A lot of ground to cover and we don't know how long this guy will be cowering in his hole. Once he finds out Avacyn left, he's not going to give us a chance to regroup."

"That is why I will stay here and keep vigil. My presence will maintain the illusion. The rest of you will need the ship to take you to the other outbreaks. Do not worry: I am tireless and do not sleep. It will work." Gisela assured them,

"But I won't be here, you won't have my faith sustaining you. How long can you last?" Varia asked worriedly.

Gisela stretched her arms and ruffled her wings, "If I do not fight, forever. If I do fight, a couple of days. My power is not as great as Avacyn's, but I also do not need a constant source of faith to maintain my strength either. Do not dally in your search for power."

"Well this means we'll have to go our separate ways. Varia, I trust you can handle yourself on Innistrad?" Blayne asked her.

She scowled at him and put her hand on the hilt of her saber, "Who the hell do you think you are talking to?"

"In that case, I will head to Ravnica and talk with Jace. He has eyes everywhere so he'll know where can find another Mox." Blayne smiled.

"If I had known we would need them, I would've brought my crafting materials to make Mox. All you need to do is find a mana-rich Plane and a perfect gemstone from there." Jhoira sighed, "That's hindsight for you."

"Wait, you just make a Moxen this powerful all my yourself?" Henry said in surprise, holding up his Pearl.

"I'm one of the few from a bygone era that still knows the rituals and spells needed to imbue a gemstone with the properties of a Mox. It would take you a hundred years to learn the magic to craft one, if you could even manage it at all. It might sound easy, but that doesn't mean it is." Jhoira said sharply to him.

Henry frowned, "I'm not sure if I'm more disappointed or relieved. Having all that power to fight the Pyraxians would be nice. But on the other hand, we'd be in big trouble if they managed to craft one of their own." Jhoira nodded grimly.

"I think we should be done wasting time. If anything happens while I'm gone, I'm sure you guys can handle it. The fireballs have the Ruby Mox, so that should be all the heat you'll need. With you and your Pearl, that should be more than enough to hold out." Blayne said, looking around at them, "We'll make our return as soon as possible."

"Good luck sweetheart." Varia kissed him on the cheek.

*******

Once again, Blayne stood in Jace's house asking him for help.

"You came to me looking for Mox? Have you forgotten about Jhoira?" Jace asked bluntly, "She's the artificer."

"She doesn't have the materials she needs to make them. You've got a hand in all over the Multiverse, Jace. You can't tell me you don't know where to find another." Blayne said quickly.

"You needed the first one to fight Nicol Bolas. Against all possible odds, it worked and you came out alive. Now you need another. Why do you need another? Is the fight against the Phyrexians going that badly? I was certain Jhoira would have plans to handle this." Jace sighed.

"She did, but they didn't include how stupid and close-minded the people of my world can be. Until I got the world governments to work together, they were still arguing what to do about this plague and what country unleashed it on us. My wife had to force the reality of the Pyraxian threat directly into their minds before they actually believed us." Blayne groaned, "In any case, my world is still light on mana. We've been hanging on, but without these Mox we cannot get to the level we need to defeat the Phyrexians. Chandra and Maria are there with the Ruby Mox. Henry has his Pearl Mox. Varia went to get in contact with Sorin because apparently he has a Jet Mox that is tied to Innistrad."

"So what has happened to your world then? This much power you're gathering sounds like armageddon is close." Jace asked, sitting back in his tall armchair. They were in his sitting room with a fire crackling in the hearth. It was a bit strange to see Jace without his trademark cloak.

"The spores seemed to have grown a consciousness of sorts. This beast attacked us yesterday, it called itself The Praetor and the leader of the Phyrexians. After that we were attacked by hundreds of demon creatures. Varia summoned Avacyn and her angels to this Plane and they fought them off for now, but Avacyn can't remain in our world. Because of this, The Praetor is hiding, but the moment he finds out Avacyn is gone, I'm certain he'll attack again. That's why I'm in such a damn hurry." Blayne explained rapidly.

"That does sound like quite a mess. Alright, you must understand just how rare Mox are these days. They are widely hoarded and held in seclusion by any wizard lucky enough to find one. There is only one not in a person's possession that I know of." Jace said, rubbing the bridge of his nose, "Do you remember the lake where Chandra and I found you?"

"Yea, the memory eating waters or whatever." Blayne nodded.

"For a long time I have been curious as to what has powered the magic on those cursed waters for so long. Usually an enchantment of that size and strength either must have a source or it will wear away after some time. The thing is that the curse of Lethe Lake goes back hundreds of years in the history of Arkhos. So either it is some strange, naturally occuring memory loss, or it is tied to a Mox." Jace told him.

"Are you telling me to go diving in the brain-dissolving lake?" Blayne sighed.

"Not without protection. I have a way of protecting your memories, but it will be trying and difficult." He said, leaning forward.

"I have little choice at this point." Blayne nodded.

"There is no magic that can prevent the loss of memories to that lake. But what we can do is lock your memories away so they are safe. The catch is you won't even remember them yourself but they will be safe from the enchantment." Jace put his elbows on his knees.

"So how will I know what I'm doing if I lose all my memories?" Blayne asked in confusion.

"You remember your fight with Varia did you? The enchantment can only take long term memories, not your short term ones. This means as long as you don't sleep and you're not there for more than a day, you can remember that much. So what I will do is explain everything you need to know to you and then I will lock away all the rest of your memories. You should retain enough to be able to go there and find the Mox. As long as you leave the lake within a day, you'll be able to return and get your memories back." Jace explained.

"This sounds like a really bad idea. How will I know where to find the Mox or where even to look?" Blayne chuckled nervously.

"The great stone pillars at the edge of Lethe Lake are the remnants of an ancient magic school that was built there. It is in this school that I believe the curse begun and when the school was collapsed into the lake, the magic spread to the waters and around it. The Mox should still be within the ruins."

"At the bottom of a lake...?"

"Exactly."

Blayne groaned loudly and rubbed his face. He knew this wasn't going to be easy, but he didn't think he would be boxing up most of himself in a corner of his mind and then go diving in a lake. He couldn't imagine how someone as intelligent as Jace couldn't come up with anything better.

"Why is this enchantment so powerful? What of those Mindstatic amulets? Those kept out Bolas, won't those work on this?" Blayne proposed.

"Those stopped intrusions from other minds, other consciousnesses entering your own. This is not a consciousness invading yours. It is a centuries old enchantment dragging your very personality out of your head." Jace told him curtly, "I wold not be suggesting this drastic action if there were any other way. What I can do to help you though is put an enchantment on you to let you breath underwater anytime you are in the lake. That way you don't have to worry about swimming back to the surface every five minutes."

"Thanks." Blayne slumped back in the chair, "Alright, I don't have time to waste, let's just do this."

*******

Varia breathed deep the crisp night air of Innistrad. It had been some time since she had been back here and never without Blayne at her side. She was almost scared... no that wasn't the right word, she would never be scared. The right word was vulnerable, or perhaps nervous. Without Blayne around, she felt almost like she wasn't complete.

Around her, the stillness of a dark Innistrad countryside surrounded her. It was late at night and the farmers were sleeping. With the full power of Avacyn defending their homes, the humans of Innistrad had grown more confident and no longer lived in total fear. That fear was replaced with an uneasiness of the darkness, a want to stay in the light more than ever. This was where they were most comfortable because the people knew if they stayed beneath her wings of protection at night, they had little need for fear.

But Varia did. She was preparing to head into the darkest and most dangerous part of Innistrad, the very heart of the Vampire Lands. A land scorn and cursed with forever night, none but the bravest and boldest of Avacyn's warriors went there. It was a world of nightmares with nothing of value to anyone not looking to hunt Vampires. She stretched her legs and arms, making sure her body was limber and prepared for hours of magic-fueled running. She wished she could use teleportation magic like Henry could. Then she could just pop into Sorin's house. Then again, he might have protection to prevent people from doing that.

Around her, the dark of night obscured much of the forest and the moon was barely a sliver. Werewolves would not be a problem tonight and she should be able to evade any vampires. Without any further deliberation, she flooded her muscles with mana and set off at a dead sprint. Her feet flew over roots and bushes, carrying her through the woods at a wind-whipping speed. She had placed herself on the border of Kessig and the deadlands of Stensia when she planeswalked in. It was too dangerous to try and put herself somewhere within Stensia. The chance that she could miss her target and appear near a vampire's home was far too great. The last thing she needed was an entire family of the undead attacking her as soon as she arrived.

Her hand gripped the handle of her Azerothian saber as she ran, keeping it from jingling each step. Her long red hair was a fiery blur behind her in the dark of night. For hours, she ran like that: clearing the Kessig woods and going deep into Stensia. The night cool and dark, so her black magic flourished and she continued sprinting.

All was going well until she had to circumvent a large, dark manor set on the bend of a deep river. She intended to skirt the very edges of it and leap the river with a spell, leaving her only a few short hours until she found the Markov castle. But as well laid as her plans were, it didn't account for young, thirsty vampires sneaking out of their parents' homes at night. She came upon two such vampires, women, both scantily clad in short black skirts and tiny, loose tops. They spotted her and she attempted to flee, but they flew after her. Just shy of the bend in the river, she pulled her saber from her belt and turned on them.

"I am a blessed of Avacyn, I carry her power with me. Do not fight if you wish to live." Varia warned them, her saber glittering in the moonlight.

"Ooooh, Caranel, did you hear that? She's got the power of Avacyn." The first vampire mocked.

"No, Faranel, not those powers! We'll surely die!" The second vampire laughed a shrill, soul-piercing laugh. It was then Varia realized that they were twins. Their black hair was cut the same down their pale white shoulders.

"You dare mock her name. I did try to warn you." Varia growled, pouring mana into her sword. It began to shine with a piercing golden light. Without waiting, she performed a twirling slash that sent a blinding beam of light towards the vampires. They laughed as they floated nimbly out of the way. Varia had anticipated their movements and she sent to more slashes right where the first vampire, Faranel, was going to move. Before she could react, the blinding holy blades hacked into her flesh and blood erupted into the air. She cried out in pain and fell out of the sky, landing on the brown grass with a dull thump.

"Sister!" Caranel cried in desperation, rushing to her side. There was little that could be done, as the slashes of holy power had cut a cross on her chest, laying her insides open and baring her white bones. The blessed power easily injured undead and the vampire rapidly died from her wounds. Her body decayed into dust and her sister sobbed in agony. Red and black magic surged from her body and she stood up to face Varia.