Visions (Volume One End)

[Lucritus]

I need to catch my breath.

The tranquility of the Palace of Genesis was broken as my footsteps echoed throughout its golden halls. I've been running from the Eternal Throne Room all the way down here, the palace's portal hub. Kosmos had recently informed me that Oryana had been having visions of the future recently, and she hasn't had them since… Who was the last monarch of Levelia when she had a dream? I can't remember. But it was a long time ago.

As I ran through the hub's crystalline gates, I noticed a great deal of spirits were making their way to the Palaces of the Dead. They must be on their way to be judged by Agarok and Cemira, my younger siblings. As I passed the now-closed portal to the Primordial Void, I couldn't help but feel my heart wrench. The memory was still fresh in my mind… Dalyoff's demise. I tried my best to ignore the feeling and carried on.

What stood before me was now the portal to Oryana's base of operations, the planet Saeculum. The portal was ornately designed (it was commissioned by Oryana), showcasing her personal seal and her contributions to all of creation. I stepped in and was immediately transported to the planet.

I arrived atop a golden pedestal-like structure. The portal behind me closed and the only choice I had left was to press onward. In the distance was a magnificent palace and surrounding it were magnificent gardens. As I walked on the gravel path, I noticed different creatures tending to the plants here. They resembled a species Father had created, they were quite tall; had hair on their heads and some had patches of hair on their bodies. They also possessed intelligence and a surprising amount of strength. I continued to the palace, but as I kept walking I noticed something strange in the air. Something heavy, something dark… I quickened my pace until I began to sprint. There was something wrong, something out of place… Regular mortals wouldn't be able to sense it, but those whose innate abilities are attuned with any of the nine Celestials would be able to feel it. A power that hasn't been seen since Dalyoff's death… The power of the Devourer.

~o0o~

I rushed through the palace's courtyard and burst into the foyer. It seemed abandoned, silence filled the enormous hall with only my pants breaking the eerie peace. I hurriedly climbed the stairs to Oryana's quarters. If memory serves me well, her room was on the third floor… Turn left… And it should be the third door I see.

Once I reached the third floor, a horrible stench assailed my nostrils.

"Ugh!" I groaned, disgusted by the smell.

But it was a familiar stench, something I knew all too well… I pressed onward, trying to block out the smell as much as I could by covering my nose. As I reached her door, I pushed it but it wouldn't budge. Instead, a thick, dark red liquid started to pour out from the gap below. I guess I have no choice…

I stood back, morphed the ground around me into a battering ram, and smashed the door open. Big mistake.

Immediately after, a wave of dark red liquid poured out. I instinctively blocked the mass by flattening the makeshift battering ram into a shield. Sparing me the need to bathe in the Primordial Springs (which will undoubtedly increase all the emotional stress I've been bombarded with). As the flow of the liquid started slowing down, I peered into the room and found it covered in the liquid, in the center stood Oryana. She was completely encased by a brown substance, seemingly a solidified version of the dark red liquid. I molded the shield back into a battering ram and tried breaking her out but to no avail.

I tried using all of the possible methods I could think of, from transmuting the ground to different metals and materials to using my abilities to break the shell encasing her. None of them worked and I was losing hope…

That's when he showed up. A blinding light engulfed the room and once I regained my vision I saw him, one of Dalyoff's "children," the Guardian of Exiles. He gently pushed me aside and stretched out his hand. A light began to emerge from his palm and as it grew I heard a familiar humming sound… The song of the Primordial Void. The guardian then pushed the ball of light onto Oryana's shell, exploding upon impact and freeing her.

I caught her just as she was about to hit the ground. I cradled her in my arms and took note of her appearance. Her cheeks had sunk and now her cheekbones were protruding in an unholy manner. Her eyes were surrounded by incredibly dark circles, and she was now lighter than a feather. It was as if her life had been sucked out.

"My lord, it would be best if I took her to the Primordial Void to recuperate," The guardian suggested.

I contemplated for a moment. If she goes to the Primordial Void she would need to be crystallized to rid her of the Devourer's corruption. But it would take months if not years before she can return to her duties.

"Don't worry, my sister will take care of her. I will take over Lady Oryana's duties for the time being," he said.

"Does Father know?" I asked.

"Yes, I have informed the Creator already. He has approved of my plan," He answered.

I took one last glance at my sister and gave her to the guardian.

"Take care of her. Don't let anyone harm her while she's there," I ordered.

"On the memory of my father, I promise," He took Oryana from my hands.

"Goodbye, Lord Lucritus. May the Creator protect you," He bowed before he disappeared into thin air.

I was left there with more questions than answers, but one thing was certain. Her visions have something to do with the Devourer. For his powers to manifest on a planet under the protection of Father and a Celestial, means only one thing… The Devourer has stirred from his sleep and he struggles once again to wreak havoc across the Void. He knows. He knows that the girl who was prophesied has returned to Luminaris Prime. He knows his time is short.

Dalyoff, I swore to you that I would protect your descendants, your children, and the child you promised. I won't waver, even if I have to face the Devourer head on… Please guide me, brother.