Lies Ahead
A Shaman King / Sandman crossover
by White Cat
"A shaman is someone who links this world to the other world."
"It'll be difficult," she said, looking at the two of them thoughtfully. "Twins always make the worst sort of enemies. There are all kinds of mixed-up emotions when you're fighting against someone who shared the first intimacy with you." Her dark eyes were very serious when she spoke, and around her neck the silver ankh glittered with its own light.
"I'm ready for it," said the one who would be older. "If that's what will be, then it will be. There is no use in being upset over what's already been decided."
"I'm not looking forward to it," said the one who would be younger. "But he's right. There's no choice. I'll fight if I have to."
"Of course you will," she said. She stood up, and there was the sound of rustling feathers, like the beating of great wings.
To the older, she said, "There are always ways around what my brother has foreseen. Destiny is rarely infalliable, but it can happen."
To the younger, she said, "There are always choices. Even the decision not to act is a choice.
"All right then," she finished, and turned to the lit path that was opening up before her. "Here we go. Just follow the road, and you'll be fine."
"Then, I'll be going." The older got to his feet. His features were beginning to form into a definite shape. He looked down to the younger. "It will be a long time before we meet again," he said.
"Yes," said the younger. His features were not quite so defined. "I wonder if we'll recognize each other."
"I think we will," said the older. He looked over his shoulder at the path. "All right. I'll see you."
The younger waved. "See you."
When he was gone, the younger got to his feet as well. He looked at her, who was studying the sky. There was a long black umbrella in her hands, and she looked like she wasn't sure whether to open it or not.
"Will we recognize each other?"
"Hmm," she said, and opened her umbrella. A moment later, the first heavy drop of rain plinked off its curved side. "I think it will depend on you." She looked at the lit path. In the distance, it was wavering. "You'd better get going now."
"Yeah," he said, but waited for a little longer. "And we'll know you when we see you, right?"
"That depends, too," she said. "You probably will. But I'll know you--that's what matters."
"Ah," he said. "Then, I'll be going now."
She waved a hand as he walked off. "Take care," she said. Her voice was very quiet, drowned out by the sound of falling rain and beating wings.
And she walked in the opposite direction, into the sunless lands.
"That boy will be our hope."