Smurfed Behind: The Other Side Of The Mirror/Part 8

Soon, after Empath and Polaris have picked up their backpacks and collected all the stuff that was in them, making very sure nothing of importance was left behind, they both joined Gargamel, Azrael, and Scruple at the mouth of the cave where they have found the Janus Mirror in that world. Before they entered the cave, Empath allowed Gargamel to talk to the HoloSmurf for a bit so he could learn what the Papa Smurf of the other world was like.

"I honestly didn't think that there would be Smurfs that truly cared for other people besides themselves," Gargamel said. "I could only wish to meet them someday."

"I understand your desire, Gargamel, but your opening up the portal and then destroying it is necessary if we want to prevent others with evil intent from crossing over between the two worlds," the HoloSmurf said.

"I understand, HoloSmurf," Gargamel said. "I just envy the fact that your world has better Smurfs than mine does."

"If it's any consolation, Gargamel, our would would envy and desire your presence within our forest," the HoloSmurf said. "We would be just as grateful if you were there as one of its residents."

"Thank you," Gargamel said, a tear forming in his eye. Then the HoloSmurf vanished, and the good wizard handed the medallion back to Empath.

"We are ready whenever you are, Gargamel," Empath said. "We will lead you to where the mirror is located."

Gargamel, Azrael, and Scruple followed Empath and Polaris into the cave. It seemed to be going on much longer than Gargamel was comfortable with. "Are we there yet, Empath?" he began to ask.

"It's not far now, Gargamel," Empath replied.

After a little while more of walking, Gargamel began to get impatient. "Are we there yet, Empath?" he asked.

"It's not far now, Gargamel," Empath replied, sounding a little irritated.

After a little while more of walking, Gargamel was now losing his patience. "Are we there yet, Empath?" he asked.

"There it is, Gargamel!" Polaris said as he saw some glistening metal up ahead in the cave.

Gargamel, Azrael, and Scruple stopped as they approached the Janus Mirror. "Gee, that mirror doesn't look much like a mirror, Master Gargamel," Scruple said.

"Do you know the spell that can reopen the portal, Gargamel?" Polaris asked.

"Of course I do, Polaris," Gargamel replied. "The only problem with this spell is that it can only be used once with these mirrors, and after that it will completely destroy them so that they cannot be used anymore."

"We don't have a choice, if we're going to need that mirror to return to our world," Empath said. "Go ahead and cast the spell."

Gargamel nodded in acceptance. He raised up his wand and pointed it at the mirror. "Aperta speculum magica," he recited.

The surface of the mirror glowed and then became vaporous. Polaris stuck his hand through the surface and found himself pulled through until he was inside the mirror. "Goodbye, Gargamel, and thanks for everything," Empath called out before he too entered the mirror and disappeared into it.

The mirror remained dark for several seconds, and then its surfaced glowed bright until Gargamel, Azrael, and Scruple could hear it shatter like a broken window.

"Well, they're gone from this world forever," Scruple said. "Do you think we will ever see them again?"

"I can only hope so, Scruple, even if it's the last thing we ever do," Gargamel said somberly.

To be expanded on.