The party had been walking now for a full day, and Edge was still material, or at least partly so, in this strange world. Edge looked about again at his travelling companions, marvelling at their uniqueness. Each and every one seemed to be part animal, except for Tiki, the leader. He had a special power... the ability to transform himself into Dragons. To be honest, Edge thought he was pretty out-of-place. By sunset of the next day, the party reached the city of Bleak. They entered through the main gates and made a bee-line for the inn. The city of Bleak was known to all as a city of thieves, all except Edge. The entire city was covered in darkness. Very little light seemed to touch the streets, and the glow of lantern-light came from the windows of open houses. Barrels of pitch burned in the streets, lighting the paths for the townsfolk to follow. "What a simply dismal place," Edge noted aloud. "Yeah, it's not much to look at," Gobi, the Fishman replied, "but there's a lot of cash about, IF you know where to look for it." Gobi eyed the townspeople nervously as he walked past them. The townspeople smiled in return. "Once we're at the inn, remember to lock your doors and keep your belongings in check," Tiki reminded the group. Edge didn't seem to hear him. He was too busy watching the dark sky, devoid of stars, longing for the time he would return home... The group passed by what appeared to be a street magician. He approached Ox the Minotaur with a large grin and an extended hand. "Good day, my large friend. You look as though you could use some guidance in your life. I, the Great Zucchini, can tell the future! And, I will tell you yours... for a small fee." With that, he winked. Ox smiled, took the man's hand, and shook his head. "No thank you, sir. I believe that we all choose our own destiny." Zucchini smiled. "That's too bad... but oh well." He shrugged, and returned to his stand. "Waydigo, big fella!" Nina slapped Ox on the shoulder. Ox grinned. Edge was lost in thought, oblivious to his surroundings "Well, here we are." Tiki announced the group's arrival at the Inn. "Let's make this stop as short as possible. I don't like this place much." "Me neither," Bleu added, "The stench is horrible, and this cold wind is absolutely ruining my hair." Bleu withdrew a brush from her pack and began brushing her hair as she entered the Inn. Ox and Nina giggled to each other. "My hair, my hair!" Nina mocked as they entered the Inn. "You coming, Edge?" Tiki asked. Noone was there to hear his words, save Gobi. Gobi only shrugged. * * * * * * * * * * * * Edge wandered the streets of Bleak, searching for something, anything that would help him return to life. The streets were now deserted; it was very late at 'night'. A chill wind blew dust through the streets, but Edge could feel nothing, only a desperation... Edge thought to himself. "You shouldn't wander the streets alone," a feminine voice came from behind Edge. Edge spun around to see the concerned face of Bleu looking into his eyes. "I'm a ghost, remember? I don't think any harm will come to me. Besides, I don't want any of you getting hurt in case I do something foolish." "Foolish," Blue echoed, "Like what?" "How should -I- know?" Edge snapped, "I don't know where I'll go, or how I'll get there, but I'll find out how to come back to life. Then, I can stop Cardia..." "Edge, you shouldn't worry about such things. Why can't you just live here, peacefully..." "I'm too talented to settle down yet," Edge grinned to himself. Bleu rolled her eyes. "I'm sure." Silence ensued between the two. "Edge, what I'm about to tell you... you cannot tell another living soul. Do you understand?" Edge was taken aback. "Um... sure. I guess. Yeah, OK." "Beyond the mountains there is a desert that can only be entered if one possesses an item called the ColdStone. I can see that our group will have to do some running around before we obtain this Stone. Within that desert, deep undergound, there lies an artifact known as Mirror's Gate. It is said that the Gate is a portal between the realms of Life and Death." Edge nodded. "So?" "So, if you were to walk through that Gate, your material body would be returned to you!" Edge blinked. "Really?" Bleu smiled sweetly. "Yes." "So why all the secrecy?" "Well, there is rumour that the portal can also be used to summon evil spirits from the grave, spirits so strong they could drain the entire world of life! I can think of a few people who would like to get their hands on it..." "If it's so secret, then how do you know about it?" "I'm over two thousand years old." "So am I. Guess we age well." "Guess so." Silence. "Edge, if you decided to come back here... would you come and see us? I mean... me?" Bleu looked at Edge pleadingly. Edge beamed. "Of course I would! Why wouldn't I? We're all friends, right?" Bleu nodded. "Yes, friends." A bolt of lightning streaked across the sky, and a heavy rain began to fall. "You'd better get inside before you catch cold," Edge told Bleu. "I'm a big girl, Edge, I can take care of myself." Suddenly, Edge dropped to his knees, gasping. "Edge!" Bleu shouted over the sudden storm. "What's wrong?" Edge moaned in pain. "I don't know... I feel like... I'm being... pulled apart...!" "Oh my Stars! What do I do?" "N.. Nothing you can... do..." Edge's form began to flicker. "Edge! You're fading!" Panic filled Edge's eyes. "NO! Not now...! I don't..." Edge's form disintegrated into particles and was gone, leaving a shocked Bleu standing in his wake.