The Breach

Solskin

The wind became a tremendous force, sucking my breath away. Savah, clinging onto one of the railings, was shouting something over the wind, but I couldn't hear him. I was transfixed by the sight in front of me. Light poured from the sky, drowning out the black point with pure radiance. It was almost a holy sight. The ground below bent under the weight of power, grassing vaporizing and rocks flying.

Epoch, the source of it all with magic circles floating around him, seemed invincible. His body glowed a vibrant red from being the conduit of so much power. The light reached a peak, and suddenly, nothingness. It was almost as nothing happened. I waited for some big explosion or a flash of blinding light, but nothing. The black point just seemed to expand before imploding on itself.

There was a crash as Epoch fell to the ground. His eyes were closed and breathing heavy.

Carolinus rushed over, his hair swept back from the wind.

Anticipating the question, Epoch breathlessly called out, "I'm alright."

Standing back, Carolinus retorted, "You don't look like it."

Persephone also rushed over, pocket watch in hand. Epoch, brushing off her aid, stumbled away. "Let me rest."

Carolinus followed him. Halfway into the doorway, he stopped. Turning around, he motioned for us to follow. "We own you an explanation."

I quickly went to follow. Persephone lingered behind, staring out to the scorched earth. She was mumbling something to herself. Something about Hell's rift. She was a thousand miles away.

Persephone

I stared out in the distance, my mind racing. The words rang through my head.

"To destroy the sacred trusted gift,

Or to see the awakening of Hell's rift."

I replayed that scene over and over again. The black hole that seemed to contain all within it. An infinite void that threatened to suck everything in. Inside that void, were eyes. Millions upon millions of yellow eyes, hungry from life. They stared at me, like the trumpeter of the apocalypse, biding their time until their freedom.

This fate can never happen, but what was the cost? What was the sacred trusted gift? Life? What was it? I had so many questions running through my head, growing and increasing at a rapid pace. Slowly, I turned to follow the group, oblivious of my surroundings. All I could was think.

We returned to Carolinus's office, the table hastily repaired. I could see the faint imprint of a hand.

The door came to a close behind us and a faint tingle rushed through the air.

"I have silenced us from all outside observers." Epoch, setting down the tome, eased into one of the grand chairs, ready for a lengthy conversation.

"Good," Carolinus's reply was tired and drained. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, eyes closed with what seemed like weary fatigue. The same book from last time was still on the table. Reaching over, Epoch began flipping to another page. Heavily, he began reciting the words on the page.

"The seven planes of Hell exist separate from our universe. Described as Tartarus or Muspelheim from lore, the world is inhospitable to the regular person. The diezens of this place, referred to as Demons, live here in a incorporeal state. They lack any need for any food or other things deemed vital to the continuation of life. However, they appear to have a need to obtain a host. In order to do so, they siphon negative emotions from this world, converting it into energy to breach through the veil that separates the worlds. From this point, they leak through and take over anything with a conscious mind as a host. This first appeared 20 years ago, after the fall of the first elven alliance from betrayal within, the demon outbreak nearly wiped out the elves, forcing them to adopt their current hunting lifestyle. 5 years ago, the elves managed to contain the spread of demons, using magic to seal banish them. However, almost everyone had been affect. It is the understanding of this report that I believe the best course of action is secrecy. I recommend that the demonic threat should be ignored, in order to prevent the spread of the fear necessary to form the breach in the first place. This plan should be enacted unilaterally, requiring the agreement of all nations on this plane. There is no viable way to combat the demons, other than damaging a host to the point where the demon believes it isn't worth it to heal the said host and returns to their world. It is this fact which leads me to my conclusion. Signed Iva Helis, High Mage to the Elven Lord of Fiora."

Epoch set the book back down, staring at us, as if analyzing our response. I remained quiet, digesting the words he read out to me. Solskin had a blank look on his face. I could tell he was struggling to keep up with the conversation.

Carolinus took this opportunity to speak up, "I agree with the report. Look at what those things did 10 years ago. The Galian Empire nearly fell because of them. Don't let this information spread."

I nodded in agreement, envisioning what happened to Khoron in mind occurring everywhere. The very thought sent shivers down my spine. I could feel the icy coldness in straight, perfect cut on my neck. I could hear the blood pouring out and my desperate choking. The urge to throw up was overwhelming. I leapt up and ran to the outhouse, emptying everything into the ditch.

??????

I wrapped myself in my cloak, my eyes still red from crying. I leaned against the stone wall just outside the hideout, watching a bunch of Three Kings gang members bring in supplies. They kept a wary eye on me. I have been ordered to kill them before, as a way to enforce discipline. After a few deaths, I became an object of fear for them, someone that haunted their nights with the silent deadly bow.

I paid that no attention. I was watched silently, noting every detail in my mind. But, it was almost impossible. I was too distracted, my mind kept on going back to Emmyth. How could I save him? I didn't have a faintest clue about what was going on? So, who would help me? A name flashed across my mind, but it was going to be risky.