章 15: 15. Echoes of Power
Avalon's presence dimmed as it spoke, its usual warmth now carrying a note of reluctance, even pain. "There's… something I haven't shared," Avalon began, its voice quiet. "A long time ago, I was caught in a dimensional rift—a place between worlds, endless and empty. I didn't realize what had happened until it was too late."
Arthur felt a pang of concern, leaning forward, hanging onto Avalon's words. Hecate's expression grew guarded, while Taliesin's smile faded, replaced by a solemn, attentive look.
Avalon's voice continued, edged with a hint of regret. "The energy it took to keep myself intact… it drained me, piece by piece. I tried to hold myself together, tried to reach out to the worlds around me for help… but nothing was compatible. I could not take in the energy from any source I touched."
Arthur's heart ached as he imagined Avalon, vast and alone, struggling against the void. Hecate's gaze softened, and her stern demeanor gave way to a rare vulnerability, as though seeing Avalon's pain stirred something deeply familiar within her.
Avalon's voice dropped, barely a whisper as if reliving the memory. "Years passed… and I began to lose hope. The energies around me offered nothing, no way to sustain myself. I tried over and over, reaching out to anything that crossed that space. For so many years, I floated, fading, emptying myself little by little."
The weight of Avalon's words hung heavily in the room, and Taliesin's gaze lowered, sadness pooling in his eyes. He let out a slow breath, as if he, too, were struggling to grasp the depth of Avalon's isolation. "That must have been… endless," he murmured, his usual warmth replaced by a rare solemnity.
Avalon's voice softened further, and Arthur sensed a note of raw vulnerability. "One day, I thought perhaps… I should give up. Let the last of me fade, and find peace in whatever came after." Avalon paused, its presence flickering slightly. "But then I heard… something. Faint words echoing through the void."
Arthur felt a chill run down his spine, and Hecate's gaze sharpened, her focus intense as Avalon continued.
"The voice was small… a whisper, barely audible, but enough to reach me," Avalon said as if trying to capture the memory. "'A second chance… something meaningful…' and 'a place for people to come and go… a home for travelers…'"
Arthur's breath caught. That voice—it was his own, wasn't it?
Avalon's presence seemed to warm slightly, a touch of pride or relief weaving through its tone. "Those words, that longing… they resonated with me. Somehow, it was the energy I needed to break free from the rift. I… gave it everything I had, released every last trace of my energy, and followed the sound."
Hecate's face softened, an unreadable look flickering across her features as she turned to Avalon. "You… tethered yourself to this voice?" she asked, her voice quiet, though there was an edge of respect in her tone.
Avalon hummed softly. "Yes. And that is how I came to find Arthur." A pause. "A wish for purpose… for connection."
Arthur felt his throat tighten, a wave of emotion welling up as Avalon's words sank in. He'd never imagined that his own wish—a moment of vulnerable hope—had been what saved Avalon.
"You… you came back for me," Arthur managed his voice barely a whisper. "I… I don't know what to say. I had no idea."
Avalon's warmth enveloped him, a comforting presence that settled the ache in his heart. "You gave me purpose, Arthur," Avalon said gently. "You wanted a second chance… and so did I."
Taliesin let out a slow breath, a bittersweet smile playing on his lips. "And so Avalon found you, Arthur," he said softly. "In a way, the sanctuary's purpose has evolved, hasn't it? To be a home once more, a place of meaning."
Hecate's gaze softened, and though her expression remained guarded, her voice held a hint of tenderness. "You and Avalon found each other at a critical moment," she said, inclining her head slightly as if acknowledging something sacred. "Perhaps it was meant to be."
Arthur took a shaky breath, looking up toward the ceiling, his chest tight with gratitude. "Avalon… thank you. For everything."
Avalon's presence pulsed with a quiet, genuine warmth. "Thank you, Arthur. And thank you both, Hecate and Taliesin. I know I am… not as I was before, but I am honored that you are here now."
Hecate nodded, her tone reverent. "What you have lost… it cannot be easy to carry. But perhaps you can still reclaim what was yours."
Taliesin's smile grew, his eyes bright with renewed determination. "A new beginning, Avalon. And who knows what may come next, with Arthur by your side?"
Avalon's warmth pulsed in agreement with Taliesin's hopeful tone. "Yes… a new beginning. And that's what I wanted to tell you next," Avalon said, a note of excitement brightening its usual calm. "While it's true that I am weaker now, Arthur's presence and the connections he's making to other worlds are renewing me. I believe… that if more worlds connect to Avalon, I can grow stronger—perhaps even more powerful than I ever was."
Hecate and Taliesin exchanged a glance, a mutual understanding flickering in their eyes. Taliesin's playful smile softened, becoming something more introspective, while Hecate's gaze sharpened as if studying Avalon anew.
"So… that explains it," Hecate murmured, casting a critical look at her own hand. Her presence, though potent, felt like only a fraction of what she remembered. "Avalon's current energy could only summon us in this diminished form. We, too, are echoes of our full selves, it seems."
Taliesin's brow furrowed thoughtfully, but the familiar glint of amusement soon returned to his eyes. "Then, let's get down to it, Arthur," he said with a grin, turning to face him. "How many worlds have you managed to connect so far?"
Arthur shifted slightly, caught off guard by the sudden attention. He looked down, feeling an odd shyness as he mumbled, "Just… one."
There was a brief silence, and then Hecate's eyebrows shot up in mild surprise, while Taliesin's mouth quirked into an expression of awe. They exchanged another look, one that spoke of shared wonder and understanding. "One world," Hecate said softly, her gaze lingering on Avalon. "With only a single world tethered, calling us both here simultaneously… that alone is a miracle."
Arthur looked between them, confusion evident on his face. "A miracle? I… I don't understand."
Taliesin chuckled, a rich, friendly sound that immediately lightened the atmosphere. "All in good time, lad! But first, a proper introduction feels overdue." He straightened, giving Arthur a warm, theatrical bow. "Taliesin, The Bard of Endless Knowledge, at your service." As he spoke, the harp slung over his back emitted a soft, harmonious chord, as if accompanying his words. With his golden hair flowing, neatly trimmed beard, and deep green eyes full of warmth and humor, Taliesin's aura was as inviting as it was commanding, an approachable yet powerful presence.
Arthur managed a smile, a little disarmed by Taliesin's openness. "A bard… well, I didn't expect that. But it's nice to meet you."
Taliesin's laughter bubbled up, his eyes twinkling. "I'm full of surprises, lad. Knowledge, music, stories… Avalon housed all of it and more."
Hecate took a step forward, her dark blue eyes seeming to flicker with an ancient light as she held Arthur's gaze. "Hecate," she said, her voice low and calm, yet carrying a resonance that commanded respect. "The Enchantress of the Crossroads." As she spoke, one of her silver rings shimmered and shifted, lengthening into an elegant staff entwined with snakes, their forms curling and intertwining along its length, adding to her powerful, enigmatic aura.
Arthur could feel an almost electric reverence radiating from her. Her demeanor was not unkind, but every movement and word was precise, conveying an authority that felt otherworldly. "An honor," Arthur murmured, sensing the weight of her title. He could see now that each of them brought a unique energy to Avalon: Taliesin's warmth and boundless curiosity, and Hecate's command of mystery and transformation.
Taliesin's expression softened, his tone becoming thoughtful once more. "Arthur, I'm sure you'll have questions about Avalon and its worlds… but first, understand that summoning both of us with only one world connected is no small feat. Avalon is still in the early stages of regaining its strength."
Avalon's presence wrapped around them gently, like a nod of confirmation. "I am grateful to both of you for returning, even in this form," Avalon said, a hint of sadness beneath its warmth. "My current state is… limited, but with each world Arthur connects, there is a chance for me to grow stronger than it ever was."
Hecate inclined her head, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "This may be a beginning for Avalon, but also for you, Arthur," she said, her tone softening. "To be chosen by this sanctuary, to be the one to renew it… that is no small destiny."
Arthur's gaze fell to the floor, processing the weight of her words.
Taliesin's smile brightened as he cast a cheerful glance at Arthur, to brighten the mood, his voice rich with curiosity. "Alright, lad, there must be a reason for us to be summoned here. Care to share?"
Hecate's gaze sharpened, and her head tilted as she scanned the room. "Yes… and not only us. Our past sanctuaries, Erebos and Annwn, seem to be woven into this space." Her voice was calm but probing, as though assessing an unfamiliar spell.
Arthur cleared his throat, still a bit taken aback by their intensity. "Well… I was able to unlock a new area, and I chose something called the 'Arcane Training Room.'" He gestured to the vast, magical space around them. "It's… an amalgamation of both Erebos and Annwn. I guess that's why you're both here."
Taliesin's smile faded as he straightened, a look of dawning understanding crossing his face. "Arcane Training Room… you mean to say we're here as area manager?"
Arthur nodded, and as the words left his mouth, he noticed a subtle shift in both Taliesin and Hecate. Their gazes met, the friendly warmth replaced with something sharp, competitive, and calculating. Hecate's eyes narrowed, her stance shifting subtly as she sized up Taliesin. She took a step forward, and in a single fluid motion, her staff seemed to shimmer and pulse with energy.
Taliesin's hand went instinctively to his harp, his fingers hovering just above the strings as he took a defensive stance, his usual easygoing expression replaced with a steely focus. He cast a quick, sidelong glance at Arthur. "Lad… you haven't already chosen it's manager, have you?"
Arthur shook his head, feeling the rising tension in the air. "No, I didn't know… I didn't realize there could be more than one. I thought it would just… you know, be one person per area."
Hecate's lips curved in a slight smile, though her gaze remained fixed on Taliesin. "Well, it seems we're about to determine who will manage this space."
Taliesin laughed, his voice warm but edged with excitement. "You said this was an Arcane Training Room, didn't you, lad? Well, lesson one… Observe."
Hecate's staff gleamed with an icy silver light, her fingers curling over the twisting snake designs as she whispered a low incantation under her breath. Taliesin grinned, a mischievous spark lighting up his eyes as he plucked a chord on his harp, each note resonating like a heartbeat, filling the room with a building energy.
Taliesin's fingers moved in a practiced flurry across the strings, summoning shimmering projectiles of pure sound, each shaped like arrows and charged with energy. He released them in a swift arc, and they shot toward Hecate, whistling through the air like bolts from an enchanted bow.
Hecate raised her staff with calm precision, conjuring a translucent shield that flickered to life, absorbing the force of his attack. The barrier shimmered, holding firm under the impact. With a fluid motion, she twisted her wrist, the barrier expanding outward and scattering Taliesin's projectiles harmlessly around her.
A subtle frown creased Hecate's brow. Though she'd deflected his attack, the force was weaker than she had intended. Her power—her connection to Avalon—was clearly far less potent than in her prime.
"You'll need more than that, Taliesin," she murmured, her voice carrying a quiet intensity as she swept her staff through the air. Silver threads unraveled from its tip, twisting together and forming serpents of light that slithered through the air, striking toward Taliesin's shield with calculated precision.
Taliesin's fingers flew across his harp, the strings vibrating with a low hum as they summoned a glowing barrier of green, swirling vines that wrapped around him, intercepting Hecate's attack. Each of her silver serpents struck the barrier, but his shield held firm, their powers meeting in a burst of energy that sent shimmering fragments scattering into the air.
Arthur watched, wide-eyed, as each pulse of power washed over him, leaving him breathless. Despite their occasional struggles, the skill with which they wielded their magic was far beyond anything he'd ever witnessed.
Taliesin's gaze remained focused, his expression intense as he launched a new assault. His harp sang with vibrant, sharp notes as he wove a spell, each note translating into bursts of shimmering energy that flew toward Hecate in rapid succession. But his casting faltered slightly as he pushed his own limits, the brightness of his magic dimming under the strain.
Hecate smirked, eyes narrowed, noticing his hesitation. With a quick, decisive movement, she raised her staff high, channeling a blast of concentrated energy directly at him, aiming for his blind spot.
"Missed a step there, Taliesin," she said, her voice edged with a playful sharpness.
Taliesin attempted to dodge, but his shield wavered, unable to withstand the full force of her attack in his current state. Her blast struck him squarely, sending him stumbling back with a muted boom that shook the ground beneath them.
As the energy dissipated, he let out a breathless laugh, brushing a bit of dust from his cloak. "Alright then," he managed, grinning as he looked up at her. "I suppose that means I'll be your assistant, Hecate."
Hecate's lips curved in a victorious smile, a glint of pride flashing in her eyes. "Indeed. I think a bard at my side will serve well enough." She lowered her staff, studying him with a faint, approving nod.
Taliesin chuckled, his grin widening. "Assisting a beauty such as yourself? I'd say that's a welcome change of pace." He gave a playful wink.
Her smile dimmed slightly, and she shook her head, muttering under her breath. "I'm already beginning to regret this."
Arthur stared at the two of them, his heart racing. He realized with awe that they had just fought this incredible duel in a weakened state, their abilities far from their prime. He could barely imagine what they'd been capable of when Avalon had been at full power.
Just as Arthur tried to process the aftermath of Hecate and Taliesin's duel, a soft chime rang out, and a faint glow appeared before his eyes—a system notification.
[System Notification: New skill acquired: Arcane Eyes]
The words hovered in front of him, translucent and shimmering. He blinked, instinctively raising a hand as if to touch the notification.
Taliesin cocked an eyebrow, grinning as he noticed Arthur's reaction. "Oh? What's that, lad?" His tone was curious, with a hint of playful mischief.
Before Arthur could respond, Avalon's familiar warmth wrapped around him, and its voice answered on his behalf. "It's a progress helper for Arthur," Avalon explained, a trace of pride threading its tone. "Arcane Eyes is a skill I've provided to help him see magical details and enhance his learning."
Taliesin let out a mock gasp, crossing his arms with exaggerated indignation. "Avalon, you never gave me a 'system' like this when you were Annwn!" He pouted, though the glimmer in his eye gave away his playful nature.
Avalon chuckled, the warmth in its voice shifting to a nostalgic tone. "Ah, Taliesin… when I was Annwn, I didn't need to. I could project my own form to assist you, to teach you directly."
"Lucky you," Hecate interjected, her tone dry as she looked at Arthur, her gaze keen. "But, Arthur, heed my words—you shouldn't rely too heavily on this 'system' to guide you. Its benefits will disappear once you're beyond Avalon's boundaries."
Arthur's brow furrowed in surprise. "Disappear?"
Taliesin nodded, his expression growing more serious. "That's right. I can sense it too, lad. You've been brought here in a body not entirely in sync with your mind. This 'system' helps smooth that over for you, lets you focus and train without your mind rebelling against the unfamiliar."
Hecate's eyes narrowed, her tone hardening. "When you step beyond Avalon's protection, your mind will tire more quickly. Attempting to cast magic with a strained mind… it's dangerous. Forcing a spell in that state might be as good as walking off a cliff."
Arthur swallowed, the weight of her words settling over him. He'd felt secure within Avalon, almost like he'd been given a second chance with this place as his guide, but the thought of facing these challenges without that support was sobering.
Before he could ask more questions, Taliesin stepped forward, a wide grin lighting up his face. "I call dibs on teaching him first!" His tone was full of enthusiasm, his fingers already strumming the air as if eager to dive into a new lesson.
Hecate cast a cold, piercing look in Taliesin's direction as if willing him to remember his manners. "I'll leave him to you, for now," she said, her tone laced with reluctant acceptance. Then, turning to Avalon, she continued, "But I'll begin work on gathering and aligning this world's magical energy. Replenishing Avalon's strength must be our first priority."
Avalon hummed with warmth and gratitude. "Thank you, Hecate. I will be in your debt."
Arthur looked between them, his excitement rising. This would be the beginning of his journey into magic, learning under two legends whose knowledge spanned eons. Taliesin's eyes sparkled, already sizing him up as a student, while Hecate began focusing her gaze inward, preparing to channel the energies she had once mastered within Erebos.
0~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~0
Meanwhile…
On the other side of Avalon's boundaries, in a world that was just beginning to reveal its magic to him, Harry Potter found himself standing by a scarlet steam engine, staring up at the sign that read Hogwarts Express, Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. With a mix of excitement and wonder, he boarded the train, eventually finding an empty compartment, and settling in as the train began its journey northward.
A faint warmth lingered in his pocket, where Avalon's books rested, the traces of his stay at Avalon like a quiet promise. As he gazed out the window, the countryside slipping by, he felt that his life was finally opening to the unknown, a path that had been hidden all his years under the Dursleys' stairs.
Back in Avalon, Arthur's journey had begun as well, with his two new mentors ready to guide him.
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