Chapter ???

William was being very careful not to be spotted as he stole his way through the corridors of the academy to get back to his room, new ghostly companion in tow. The last thing he wanted was to be caught sneaking around the campus in his nightclothes, as that would seem awfully suspicious. Luckily, he didn’t run into anyone on the way, so managed to retreat into his room without incident, for the moment.

Once inside William dragged his feet over to the bed and then sat down on it, before bending forward and resting his chin in his hands, elbows propped up on his knees, and let out a big sigh. It seemed that things had just gone from bad to much, much worse. Oh, how stupid could he have possibly been to pursue the gem? He should have listened to Cornelius’ warnings about it all along.

What’s wrong kid, gonna cry? The spectre of the apparent Dark Lord of Undeath asked Will in a mocking tone, leaning over the wizard’s sitting form from where he stood next to him.

“No. Just thinking about how to get rid of you without going to Alexavier,” Will replied as nonchalantly as he could manage. Even after this latest horrible incident, William was still determined to try and fix the situation on his own, without arousing anyone’s suspicions. After all, if the Grand Magus found out Will had possibly just unleashed a most terrible evil which was probably sealed away for a very good reason, Will would likely also be grounded for eternity.

So rebellious, just like a proper darkling should be, Azrael said in what seemed like a very approving manner.

“Darkling… you said that was a human born with dark powers, right?” Will sought confirmation on what Azrael had said earlier.

Yes, we have a natural affinity to dark magic. How serendipitous that you would be one, the perfect vessel for me, almost as if you were made for me! Azrael stated with glee.

“Does the existence of one with a natural affinity to dark magic imply the opposite also exists?” Will asked, looking up questioningly at the spectre, unable to contain his curious nature, especially when it came to the topic of magic. “A ‘lightling’, so to say?”

Azrael frowned slightly and seemed to ponder the question for a moment. Yes… I have… had? a twin sister who was one… he eventually explained with a look of apparent disgust. 

Will gave the apparition a look of astonishment at that information. “I… I have a twin sister too! Would she be a lightling? How can you tell?”

That’s… hrm… Azrael murmured thoughtfully, raising a hand to stroke his pointed beard. Well… does she have eyes the colour of moonstone? Like Alexavier’s gem?

“Yes!” Will exclaimed enthusiastically.

Huh… I guess they must be made in pairs then… Azrael continued to muse, mostly to himself it seemed.

“So she has a natural affinity to light magic then! That’s why she finds it so easy, and is so much better than me at it!” Will proclaimed, jumping to his feet now. “And that explains why I always had such trouble with it, and why dark magic is just so easy to learn! Wait…” Will turned to stare directly at Azrael with wide eyes, which seemed to catch the spirit off guard for a moment, his angular features looking slightly surprised, “Alexavier knew this, didn’t he? He knew the whole time that I couldn’t possibly reach his expectations for me, he showed such disappointment in me all the time despite knowing I had a natural handicap!”

Tell me about it, Azrael said, rolling his eyes dramatically.

“My whole life, he constantly praised Valerie and held her up as the example I was supposed to follow, the goal I was supposed to meet, and yet I never had any hope of being able to achieve that!” Will continued to rant at the spectre. “Constantly struggling with the feeling that I would never be good enough to please him…”

I know exactly how you feel, Azrael said, and the words sounded heavy with the weight of truth, as of someone speaking from experience.

“You do?” Will said with slight surprise, taken aback by the thought of some all-powerful dark mage struggling with magic and insecurities.

Of course I do, he raised me as well! Azrael answered snappily, scowling at Will now.
“He… did?” Will said more softly, shocked by the revelation.

Though ‘raised’ might not be exactly accurate. When Alexavier found us, he was only just starting to learn about mortals. He would often forget that we actually needed food to live, Azrael explained grumpily.

William paused for a moment, but once he fully processed what Azrael had said, he couldn’t help but snicker at it. And then he broke out into light chuckling.

What’s so funny? Azrael asked in confusion.

“Heh… well, he still sometimes forgets that,” Will explained, trying to suppress the giggles.

Azrael was silent for a moment, and then a small smile started tugging at his lips. Hah, I guess not much has changed with that old coot, he said in agreement. Florie and I had to mostly look after ourselves. He was more of a teacher than a caretaker.

“Wait, your sister’s name is Florie? I know her!” Will exclaimed, and Azrael gave him a baffled look. “Well, I mean, I know of her. I’ve read about her before. She helped Alexavier establish the Magus Academy a thousand years ago.”

A thousand years? Azrael said quietly, looking stunned. I’ve been trapped in the gem for a thousand years? There was a slightly pained tone to those words.

William couldn’t help but give the spirit a slightly sympathetic look. He could only imagine the torture of being imprisoned for that long while apparently being conscious for the entire time. Almost made him forget for a moment that this guy wanted to wear him like a meatsuit.

All my friends are dead! Azrael exclaimed dramatically. Wait, never mind, I didn’t have any, he switched to mumbling nonchalantly. Except Kazamir, but he’s immortal so he’s probably still kicking around somewhere.

“You knew Alexavier’s brother as well?” Will asked with interest, though then quickly realised it was probably a stupid question.

Well of course, he gave me his gem after all, Azrael confirmed, reaching out and tapping a long, black, clawed finger against William’s chest where the gem was embedded into his flesh.

“Why did he do that?” Will questioned further, wanting to learn more about the origins of the gem and Azrael himself. Information was an invaluable tool.

He was envious that his brother had two special apprentices, so decided to steal me away from him, Azrael explained while waving a hand in the air as he spoke. Not that it was difficult, I jumped at the chance to learn dark magic. He gave me his gem to accentuate my powers, and he ended up making me more powerful than he was.

“So does… does Alexavier think that I’m going to end up like you?” Will asked, feeling like he was slowly putting together pieces of this puzzle. “Is that why he keeps me prisoner in the academy, and why he is so concerned about me learning dark magic?” Everything about his life that he didn’t really understand before was finally starting to make sense.

Azrael gave William an exaggerated shrug. I guess so. The spirit paused for a moment, looking thoughtful before speaking again. Perhaps we are more similar than I thought, I may have misjudged you at first. And maybe, because of that, we got off on the wrong foot a bit… How about we try this over again? The spectre straightened up his posture, cleared his throat, and gave Will a small smile. What’s your name, kid? he asked in a strangely friendly manner.

“... William,” Will said hesitantly, looking up at the spirit with suspicion. “Also, I’m not a kid, I’m twenty-three!”

And I am over a thousand, apparently, so you’re definitely still a kid from my perspective, Azrael retorted, still smiling. Will was starting to find the smile a little unsettling. Well Will, I’m sorry but I am still going to hitch a ride on your body at the moment. I have no desire to be put back on that pedestal for another thousand years, you understand, right? 

“But what about if… when Alexavier notices the gem is missing? Would he be able to track it to me? If he finds out I took it, you won’t be the only one in eternal imprisonment!” Will exclaimed in distress, pressing a hand over the surface of the gem in his chest.

Azrael made a dismissive noise and waved a hand around. Don’t worry, he often goes years without checking on the gem, we will likely have plenty of time before he realises anything is amiss. As long as you don’t draw any suspicions towards yourself, the spirit attempted to reassure.

“Might be a bit late for that advice… pretty sure they are already keeping a close eye on me due to my recent activities… but I guess I don’t have much choice but to try my best…” William muttered, partially to himself. “Might have to lay off the library visits…”

Well, you won’t need any stuffy books now that you have me, Azrael said with a wry grin. If we are stuck together, considering I am the most powerful dark mage who ever lived, perhaps I could teach you a thing or two about the dark magic that our mutual father figure has been dutifully keeping you from for so long, yes?

William rolled his eyes a bit at that. “I’ll still need to go to class though, so as to not arouse suspicion. Speaking of which, it’s awfully late, I really better get back to sleep so I can get to my morning class…” he trailed off at the end, not sure if he even would be able to sleep after all the excitement of the past couple of hours. But then again, ever since the gem had attached itself to Will’s chest, the other spectres hadn’t seemed interested in him anymore. In fact, they had pretty much all disappeared straight after, he couldn’t remember seeing any of them since then. Perhaps this was his chance to finally get some proper rest. “So… if you wouldn’t mind…”

Wouldn’t mind what? Azrael asked in apparent confusion as Will climbed into bed and pulled the covers over himself.

“You know,” Will started, and made a shooing motion with his hands. “Could you maybe disappear for a while? It will be hard to go to sleep with you watching me creepily.”

Are you kidding me? To disappear I would have to go back into the gem, and I have spent quite enough time in there already, thank you very much! Azrael stated, crossing his arms over his chest. 

“Couldn’t you just maybe… leave the room? Go somewhere else?” Will suggested weakly.

No. I am tethered to you; when you ran away earlier it dragged me along with you. The spectre was scowling at Will now.

“Fine, whatever,” Will mumbled, and then rolled over to turn his back on the spirit so he at least couldn’t see him. Though it wasn't as hard to get to sleep as he had thought; William’s body was so exhausted that he was soon out like a light.

Next thing he knew, William was rousing in the morning light through his window. He grunted and groaned, and he shifted under the covers, before finally opening his eyes. Will was met by the sight of Azrael’s face inches in front of his own, pale features grinning at him, which caused Will to flinch away violently and make a noise of surprise.

Azrael burst into laughter as William panted heavily while recovering from the shock. He realised that Azrael had laid down on the bed next to Will, on his side to face him, though now he had rolled onto his back while he cackled. William scowled at the spectre as he sat up in bed, shaking his head in dismay.

“And you call me a child,” Will muttered as he raised a hand to his chest, running his fingers over the gem which was still embedded in it.

Oh come now Will, I’ve been bored to death for a thousand years, at least let me have a bit of harmless fun! Azrael exclaimed as he also sat up on the bed, still grinning.

William rolled his eyes as he climbed out of bed and went to fetch his clothes from his dresser. After he pulled them out, he stole a glance over his shoulder at the spectre, who was now sitting on the edge of the bed, watching Will expectantly.

“Do you mind?” Will asked, feeling uncomfortable getting changed while those dark void eyes were fixed upon him.

Not at all, Azrael replied while continuing to stare, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Sighing, William started getting changed, trying to ignore the feeling of eyes upon him. He hadn’t been too embarrassed about changing in front of the other spirits, but this was different. Azrael felt a lot more like a person then they did. It definitely made Will uncomfortable, so he changed as quickly as possible, making sure the glowing light of the gem in his chest was properly covered up, before grabbing up his books and heading out of the room.

William had been betting on only him being able to see Azrael, just like with the other spectres. As the spirit followed him down the corridor and they passed by other wizards that seemed to be the case, as no one spared much of a glance at Will let alone made any exclamations about seeing a ghost. William kept glancing at Azrael out of the corner of his eye, and he noted how the spectre seemed fascinated as he looked at their surroundings. Must be enjoying the scenery change after a thousand years, Will reckoned.

So, you called this place an 'academy' but it's clearly my castle… Azrael mused quietly as they walked to class. After he sealed me away did Alexavier turn it into some kind of learning institute? Will could detect the derision in his voice.

William waited until they were in a less populated corridor before he quietly replied to the spirit. "Wizards from all over the world have been coming to study at the Magus Academy ever since Alexavier founded it.”

Wizards? What’s a wizard? Azrael asked in clear bewilderment.

The question took William a little off guard. Everyone knew what a wizard was. “That’s… what we call a person who has learned magic from academic sources, like books or at school,” he explained in a hushed tone.

So… nerds. You’re telling me my castle is full of a bunch of light magic nerds. Led by the biggest light magic nerd of them all. Azrael sounded rather annoyed, to say the least.

“I can see the irony of turning a dark lord’s castle into a light magic school,” Will said in response. “I’m guessing it’s a lot livelier now than when you lived here? Considering you said you had no friends. Why would you need such a big place anyway?”

Well, I needed somewhere to put all my stuff you know! Like that room that the gem was in, that was my corpse room, Azrael explained huffily.

“Corpse room?” Will asked in alarm.

Yeah? I mean, where else would I keep my corpse pile? Azrael asked, giving Will an incredulous look.

“I… I don’t even want to know, thank you,” Will said, turning away to look anywhere else.

Besides, it wasn’t just me. I had plenty of servants too you know, Azrael pointed out casually.

William really didn’t feel like pursuing this topic of conversation any further, especially since his mind was struggling to come to grips with the concept of a ‘corpse room’ anyway. Luckily for him he was approaching the classroom now, and Cornelius was waiting outside for him like he usually did.

“Hey Conny!” Will said brightly, waving with enthusiasm as he approached his friend.

“Oh, Will! You seem awful… chipper, this morning,” Cornelius pointed out with uncertainty.

“Oh,” Will said quietly, realising that he may have been overdoing it trying to cover up that anything was amiss, and making himself seem more suspicious. “Yes, well you see, I slept a lot better last night than I have in a while,” he quickly lied in excuse.

Cornelius raised his eyebrows at William in surprise, and then smiled. “I’m glad to hear that. Have you stopped visiting the library?” he questioned with slight concern in his tone.

“Yeah, well, I have learned a lot there, but I still didn’t find anything about the gem… starting to think it might be a bit of a waste of time after all…” Will said with false disappointment.

A waste of time? Well I never, Azrael huffed from where he stood to the side of Will, arms crossed over his chest. Will tried to avoid looking directly at him, where any other person would see nothing.

Cornelius seemed to perk up even more at the words that were coming from Will’s mouth. “Really? You’re going to stop sneaking around and breaking the rules?”

“Yeah well, I feel I have attracted enough suspicion for now, time to lay low for a while you know? And get some proper rest so I stop falling asleep in class,” Will explained to his friend casually.

Suddenly Cornelius surged forward and wrapped his arms around William, lifting him up off his feet and squeezing him tightly. Will let out some choked sounds as he was squished against his friend’s chest, before he was quickly set back down on his feet.

“Ah, s-sorry about that Will,” Cornelius apologised awkwardly while resting his hands on Will’s shoulders. “It’s just, that makes me so relieved! I’ve been so worried about you getting in trouble again.”

Wow, this guy is a real wimp for someone so tall, Azrael commented, looking rather unimpressed. Are you really friends with such a loser, Will?

William continued to ignore the spectre. “Ha, that’s alright Conny. How about we head into class now and take our seats? I’m ready to learn the proper way again,” he said, gently shrugging his friend’s large hands off his shoulders.

Azrael snorted in derision. The ‘proper’ way. Yeah right. You're not gonna learn any real magic from a group of stuffy old nerds.

Smiling at Conny and not even sparing a glance at the spirit, William gestured and led the way into the classroom.