“For example, all things in the living world disappear eventually. Even zombies and skeletons. That is called ‘change,’ correct? The Underworld is where souls wind up, so there is nothing beyond it. The souls in the Underworld do not eventually disappear, or do anything else, for that matter. That is the world of the dead.”
“Oh…”
According to Cottingley, this world was unchanging and stagnant. It was an abstract worldview, but clearly one that was self-evident to him (or her?).
While Glenn sat there in awe, Cottingley stuck out his chest, “Obviously, the reason we fairies are unchanging is because we are already so perfect that no change is necessary!”
“Uhh…so that’s how the fairies speak?”
“Hmph! The fact that you are able to communicate with me so smoothly is proof that you currently exist only as a soul! Fairies conduct conversations by connecting souls, after all.”
Looking closer, Glenn realized the movements of Cottingley’s mouth did not match up with the words he was hearing. That was when he finally realized the words were being transferred directly into his mind.
“It seems you are still connected to the living world, somehow. But if you don’t return soon, you will truly adapt to the Underworld and become one of the deceased.”
“But what can I do about that…” Glen pondered. “How can I get home?”
For once, the eloquent Cottingley had no reply. Instead, he turned to the side instead.
“Hey?! Wait, Mr. Cottingley?!”
“Insolent! Call me Excellency!”
“Don’t you know how to get me back?! I thought you came to save me!”
“That is true, but…it is not as if you can simply waltz back over to the world of the living! I can only do it precisely because I am a fairy! You seem to not be completely dead, for some reason the another…but that doesn’t mean returning will be an easy feat!”
“Oh…”
Glenn couldn’t help but be a little exasperated by Cottingley’s tone. At any rate, he now understood the situation he was in. He also understood that Cottingley was there to save him, and he was grateful for that, but…without the critical information of how he was to return to the world of the living, he was certainly in a quandary.
“Well, wait a second. You won’t be able to return immediately, but there is one way.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. Do you remember the Dullahan who stabbed you? That is the reason why you are here, and why you are only somewhat deceased.”
He was talking about when Glenn was stabbed in the clinic. He hadn’t sensed any fairies around him at the time that happened, though.
“So, you were there watching?” Glenn asked.
“Yes. Due to the arrival of that extraordinary guest, I ordered my subordinates to watch carefully. That Dullahan is not like the living… It is more like a fairy. It must have taken that form to serve as a messenger of death, but I never thought it would be so violent.”
The Dullahan. A rare species sometimes seen on the western part of the continent. Though sometimes called undead or a reaper due to being headless, it was in fact a real, living being.
“It is somewhat complicated, but the Dullahan that attacked you isn’t a monster. It wears a similar shape, but I suppose it should actually be called something else. It was a messenger of the Underworld—in other words, a messenger of death. It should have been easy for it to annihilate you. So why did it go to the trouble of leaving you with a connection to the world of the living? Given that it’s a messenger, it was likely carrying out the will of the lord who rules the underworld,” Cottingley reasoned.
“What?”
“Consequently, we can make inquiries with that Lord of the Underworld. Meet with the Lord of the dead and ask questions. Perhaps the Lord will agree if you ask to be returned to life. There have been some extremely rare cases when a deceased has been returned to life after petitioning the Lord of the Underworld.”
Glenn nodded. If this was the underworld, it only made sense to ask its leader. “It’s just…is the Lord of the Underworld here?”
“Yes. This is the Underworld, after all. This is where the messengers of death and their Lord are based.”
“But even so…” There was no sign of anyone.
“This is the periphery of the Underworld. If we direct ourselves toward the center, we will find the souls of the Underworld and the spirit guards. Also, can’t you see it? That which does not belong in Lindworm.”
“Huh?” Glenn rubbed his eyes.
In the center of Lindworm—where the Central Council was—should have stood a tall steeple. But it wasn’t there. Instead, there was a castle. A magnificent castle.
How could such a massive structure even exist in Lindworm? It wouldn’t have fit, even if the Central Square were flattened to make space for it.
How did that castle…? It’s bigger than the entire area of Lindworm…
It was warping his sense of perception. The gigantic structure in the Central Square confused Glenn’s spatial awareness. Cottingley was right—this massive building was proof that this place was not Lindworm.
“That castle is the center of the Underworld and the abode of the Lord of the Underworld. So even you can’t miss it, then.”
“Y-yes. I didn’t notice until now, despite it being so big…”
“Indeed. You noticed it precisely because I brought it to your attention. You are still behaving according to your living-world values, unable to see any Underworld structures that I don’t point out to you. I will serve as your guide and protect you from the threat of the Underworld,” Cottingley said as he returned to Glenn’s shoulder. “Now then, go to the Center, Dr. Glenn! And do give me a ride. It’s exhausting to walk around the spacious Underworld in this body.”
“Uh, okay, understood.”
Fairy in tow, Glenn advanced. If nothing else, it was undeniable that an ally had found him. He was relieved to not be alone in this misty version of Lindworm, even if his companion was a fairy.