Chapter 409: The Road to Enlightenment

Chapter 409: The Road to Enlightenment

Theres no harm in it, said Wesley. Perhaps hell be able to see something we missed.

All Id asked of them was to take me to the island through their secret tunnel or whatever. Seemed like a fairly minor request considering they wanted me to help them conquer the world.

Arthur stretched his face into the shape of someone who doubted very much what he had just heard. The idea I would spot something he had failed to see, well, it was ridiculous.

We should stay here. Its safe, no one knows our location and we can react quickly if things dont go as planned. He punched the air like victory was imminent. I wasnt really feeling it.

Arthur looked like Richina. He sounded like her, too, but there was a difference in how he moved, even when he stood still. It was like he had woken up recently and was trying to work out the kinks, twisting and turning various joints.

Before you get too invested in this plan of yours, I said, I should probably make it clear that I have no intention of waiting here with the two of you. I have nothing against your ambitions good luck to you. The way I see it, world domination doesnt have to mean youre a narcissistic madman just because everyone else who ever tried it happened to be. A couple of hundred bad apples shouldnt ruin it for the rest of the aspiring despots and dictators, right? Youve got to have a dream or how you gonna have a dream come true? Its not you I have an aversion to working with, I just have no interest in helping people in general. I find its like lending money to a friend. Eventually it ruins the friendship and you still dont get your money back.

But this is for your benefit, said Arthur. His wings (on his female body) stretched out, making him look huge and imposing, while de-emphasising his waistline. Perfect for women who want to spread terror from the skies while maintaining a svelte outline.

The wings seemed to reflect his mood, although that didnt really help me figure out what his mood was, just that he was having one.

Thats great. Im still not interested.

The wings bent back, like they were about to snap forward and slap me on either side of my face. Whichever mood this was, it wasnt one of the good ones.

I wasnt particularly intimidated, though. As everyone knows, Angel was easily the least powerful of the original X-Men. He could fly and that was it.

The other four Cyclops, Beast, Iceman and Marvel Girl had useful abilities when it came to fighting crime. Angel could watch them do it from a safe distance. Actually, I wouldnt have minded that role.

Wings as a superpower just arent impressive. They look cool, but what can you really do that a regular person cant? Get places quicker? That makes your special ability commuting. Not really that practical in a fight against a supervillain, unless your nemesis happens to be rush hour traffic.

Why are you even in that body? I said. Its weird.

No, it isnt, said Arthur, brilliantly countering my point. This body has been carefully prepared to withstand fairy attacks.

But there arent any fairies here, I pointed out.

It is better for me to be in this form and ready, said Arthur. It takes a little time to get used to.

The wings flapped and Arthur rose off the ground, then he listed to the left and performed a lopsided fly-by. I could see why he wanted to wait in here until the fighting was over.

You cant stop, can you? I said as he slowly circled me.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

I can. I am fully in control. I just need a second. He straightened up, for a moment, and then tilted the opposite way and began drifting back in the opposite direction. Clearly, this was the team I was meant to be on.

Since time has stopped outside, I said, trying not to get dizzy as Arthur circled me, we can go to the island and then come back in time for the main event.

We cant. We mustnt. Arthur sounded distressed, but whether that was due to my insistence on leaving or his lack of stability with his vertical thrusters, it was hard to tell.

Arthur, said Wesely, a little edge to her voice, dont be so inflexible.

You dont see the big picture, said Arthur. He had stopped moving but was still hovering at an angle. If he was this off-balance under no pressure, what was he going to be like in combat? We need to be here in case something goes wrong. Its the unexpected intervention we need to be ready for. Peter wont sit back and let things proceed to his ultimate detriment.

And what do you plan to do if things do go wrong? I asked.

It depends on what in particular goes wrong, said Arthur. I could see this wasnt going anywhere.

Okay, well you stay here and keep an eye on things, and me and Wesley will go check out the island. How about that?

No! he said, rather too emphatically for it to be a friendly suggestion. You have to stay here. Without you

Yes? Without me, what?

After about five minutes of walking, they both stopped.

Here we are, said Arthur. I hope youre happy. He was determined to make his sulking an integral part of the experience.

Where? I said. Nothing seemed any different in this corner of nothingness compared to the previous bit wed been in.

The island, said Arthur. This is it.

I made a ball of light so I could see the nothing more clearly. You know what they say about the infinite void, once youve seen one...

As the area around us grew brighter, a figure appeared in the distance. It looked like a man sitting cross-legged. He had long white hair down to his lap, and that was all I could make out.

My heart skipped a beat. Was this the guru Id been searching for? Senpai, notice me.

Whos that? I found myself whispering for no reason.

Thats Shroom, said Wesley. Neither her or Arthur seemed keen on getting any closer.

Is he a Visitor?

Yes, said Arthur.

No, said Wesley. We dont know. He wont talk to us. Never has, apart from the first time. I wont repeat what he said. It wasnt very nice.

I slowly advanced. It was noticeable that the other two stayed where they were. Probably a warning I should have heeded. But I was young, I was stupid. I had a strong urge to cry out, Master, Ive found you! and run towards him in slow motion.

As I approached, his eyes opened. They were all white and glowing. Avatar state. And then he spoke, saying the words I would never forget. Fuck off.

Classic senpai opening line.

Hello, I said cheerfully. He was the first person in a long while who seemed genuine. I really believed he wanted me to fuck off. Nice to meet you.

Now that I was closer, I could tell he was hovering above the ground. Hard to see when everythings black on black.

So this is the island, gateway to the stars. Im Vinz Clortho, Keymaster. Are you the Gatekeeper?

Do you want to die? he asked in a cold monotone.

Im not sure, I said. I havent made up my mind. Would you recommend it?

The glowing eyes turned off, with normal, slightly annoyed eyes taking their place. He continued to hover with his legs crossed.

Why are you here? His voice had lost some of its animosity. Not most, but some.

Well, quite a few reasons, actually. Have you seen a guy called Maurice around and about? I lost him in the vicinity. Black chap, glasses, overbite. Very insistent about playing Monopoly by the official rules.

Does he think Batman would beat Superman?

Thats him! I said.

Do you agree with him?

Well, Batman always does beat Superman, but thats only because it makes for a better story.

Thats what I said, said the long-haired weirdo.

Its not just that, said another voice. Batman has the advantage of humility. He expects to lose.

Maurice? I looked around, but there was only the darkness. Mind you, he was black, so And no, that isnt racist, its an evolutionary advantage.