Prologue (Click to Show)
The darkened waters thrashed about their domain, causing violent waves to crash into the shore. Grey clouds tossed bolts of surging electricity between one another, occasionally fumbling and letting them loose upon the tarnished field. A towering structure of rune carved obsidian embraced nature with its foreboding presence at the center of the island. Four figures stood at its base three nearer and one further; all enclosed in an atmosphere nature failed to replicate. Six eyes pleading against two, this lone soul held the mass. A translucent fire dancing in his hand mirrored a larger wall of flames, unwavering at the charging winds, which covered the structure’s entrance.
One of the three, who gripped a gem adorned spear, stepped towards the lone flame bearer; the clouds began another game of catch. Another moved forward at its length before being stopped by the last one’s scythe cutting down in front of him. The first claimed another space before him, closer the fire wielder who released the flames with a smirk. The remaining party took refuge inside the spire which walled off their path once inside.
Luminous stones hovered along the walls and candles circled the entry chamber. A single door waited in their path for the chosen to enter. In step they crossed to the door, but halted before it. The scythe holder’s smile bore an appreciated affection while the rifle marksman remained stern. Solemnness settling, he placed a hand on the other’s shoulder.
“Conner, you must understand that this is the correct option.”
“Before that wall rose, I noticed a mark on his neck. Am I correct in assuming that to be the sign of the Grimm’s Chosen?”
The doorway opened, and a pod rose from the floor behind Conner. The scythe bearer smiled once more and nodded at his ally.
“When we awaken again, you’ll understand.”
The pod encased Conner and returned into the stonework floor.
“Graxis.”
A voice whispered from the other path. Graxis stepped onto the suspended walkway, orbs of light gracefully bouncing around the expanse above and below him; his heart pulsed faster than their beat. He approached the walkway’s end and stared into unknown depths.
“Jump.”
Whispered to him by the same voice; he obeyed.
He stood with her in her light, breaking the darkness in a small area. Heavenly cloth surrounded her being and golden adornments highlighted her neck and teal hair. Brilliant wisps playfully bounced around her as she acknowledged the other god in her presence.
“Grim Reaper, Graxis. In your predecessor’s failings you have risen to take her place. So near did the mountain of life crumble before you, yet you remained faithful and unwavering. Take your place at my side now and know your destiny.” Humbly he made his way to her. “Hand me your scythe, Sever, and I shall awaken your final seal.” Sever materialized in his offering hands. The offer was accepted, but an unnatural hesitation followed. “You seem troubled. Do you fear the fates of your guardians?”
“No Dyra, Conner should be safe from harm as a temple guard while I slumber…but…Julius.” Sever erupted into sparks of light in Dyra’s hands. “You would have me ascend, though I bear desires far outweighing my priorities?”
She held his face in her hands, he found comfort in her soothing green ponds.
“Desires do not relate to emotion, so long as you remember balance in all things you will be more than a just Reaper. Now, let us begin.”
She enticed his lips into a divine embrace with hers; all became a numbed darkness. Though a light flashed for just a moment before the darkness fell. In this light, Graxis saw a scythe the shade of night planted in a soft patch of sunny grass, and a bejeweled spear planted next to it.
Absolver...Kyridius
One of the three, who gripped a gem adorned spear, stepped towards the lone flame bearer; the clouds began another game of catch. Another moved forward at its length before being stopped by the last one’s scythe cutting down in front of him. The first claimed another space before him, closer the fire wielder who released the flames with a smirk. The remaining party took refuge inside the spire which walled off their path once inside.
Luminous stones hovered along the walls and candles circled the entry chamber. A single door waited in their path for the chosen to enter. In step they crossed to the door, but halted before it. The scythe holder’s smile bore an appreciated affection while the rifle marksman remained stern. Solemnness settling, he placed a hand on the other’s shoulder.
“Conner, you must understand that this is the correct option.”
“Before that wall rose, I noticed a mark on his neck. Am I correct in assuming that to be the sign of the Grimm’s Chosen?”
The doorway opened, and a pod rose from the floor behind Conner. The scythe bearer smiled once more and nodded at his ally.
“When we awaken again, you’ll understand.”
The pod encased Conner and returned into the stonework floor.
“Graxis.”
A voice whispered from the other path. Graxis stepped onto the suspended walkway, orbs of light gracefully bouncing around the expanse above and below him; his heart pulsed faster than their beat. He approached the walkway’s end and stared into unknown depths.
“Jump.”
Whispered to him by the same voice; he obeyed.
He stood with her in her light, breaking the darkness in a small area. Heavenly cloth surrounded her being and golden adornments highlighted her neck and teal hair. Brilliant wisps playfully bounced around her as she acknowledged the other god in her presence.
“Grim Reaper, Graxis. In your predecessor’s failings you have risen to take her place. So near did the mountain of life crumble before you, yet you remained faithful and unwavering. Take your place at my side now and know your destiny.” Humbly he made his way to her. “Hand me your scythe, Sever, and I shall awaken your final seal.” Sever materialized in his offering hands. The offer was accepted, but an unnatural hesitation followed. “You seem troubled. Do you fear the fates of your guardians?”
“No Dyra, Conner should be safe from harm as a temple guard while I slumber…but…Julius.” Sever erupted into sparks of light in Dyra’s hands. “You would have me ascend, though I bear desires far outweighing my priorities?”
She held his face in her hands, he found comfort in her soothing green ponds.
“Desires do not relate to emotion, so long as you remember balance in all things you will be more than a just Reaper. Now, let us begin.”
She enticed his lips into a divine embrace with hers; all became a numbed darkness. Though a light flashed for just a moment before the darkness fell. In this light, Graxis saw a scythe the shade of night planted in a soft patch of sunny grass, and a bejeweled spear planted next to it.
Absolver...Kyridius