2 The Beginning

The land was ashen; the fire raged on like a sea of flames ravaging the lands. The smoke threatened to swallow the whole of the heavens. The mountains were littered with piles of dead bodies, dyeing the blackened them red with blood.

Anyone witnessing it would feel his soul tremble, unable to believe that this was not the worst of the abyss' but actually a place on Earth. Only, in a different dimension than ours. Anyway, it gave the feel of an apocalypse.

On the highest and the only remaining mountain peak, a group of young people could be seen standing among the raging flames. Well.. it was more like they were trying to keep standing.

They stood in the middle of the chaos, looking disheveled. But even their messed-up appearance could not suppress their charm. The wild sea of fire gave them a wide berth as if afraid of tainting them.

They were all incredibly striking, with sharp features carrying an air of elegance and their regal auras. Though they were pretty young, the pressure they emitted was overbearing like war-honed veterans.

Theirs was the only surviving peak. Others had already been flattened to smithereens. Some burnt, some smashed. This one, too, displayed apparent signs of intense struggle. Not a single plant or animal could be seen. The land was blackened and barren, with deep cracks. All the rocks had been turned to dust. Specifically, its peak appeared as if someone had chopped off the mountain top.

At the newly created flatland center, 10 people stood in a circle facing a colossal formation. In between was a bottomless pit with a round, over a dozen feet wide mouth. These ten people stood surrounding the formation, in pairs of two, a girl and a boy. They looked tired, their complexions very pale. They had a look of deep concentration as they rigorously manipulated Nature's energy, using it to slowly seal the pit. The tired couples were holding and supporting each other as they barely kept themselves from collapsing from exhaustion.

Suddenly, a shrill laugh rang out from the pit, and a powerful pressure wave swept across the mountain peak. Space itself seemed to crack. A few of them who could not take it anymore spat out a mouthful of blood. But none budged. Giving up now would mean the annihilation of both the mortal and divine realms. This would also mean that all their efforts would be wasted.

The voice continued in a mocking tone, every word carrying immeasurable pressure," Heeee... Haaaaaa... Haaaa! You little kids believe that you can destroy this Lord just like that? What a joke! The God of Nemesis will not be suppressed like this. You will face the repercussions. As for now, even if my soul is destroyed, I will not fall alone! Who wants to live chained up being tortured anyway, might as well take you along! Haaaa....!"

As the maniacal laughter continued, a raging inferno of bright yellow flames erupted in the formation. The evening's blood-red tint glowed as a yellow glow illuminated the entire peak, drowning the mountain.

The first one to react was a delicate, young maiden dressed in azure. Her eyes widened with horror as she weakly mumbled," The sac.. sacrificial flames!"

Panic flashed across the faces of all of them. The already pale faces turning white. The words struck like thunder in the others' ears. Sacrificial flames were the most violent form of Hellfire. They would not cease until they end up consuming everything, or else... unless someone, or something, of equal power was sacrificed.

There was no way a single one of them would be able to do anything to the inferno in such a weakened state. A single one couldn't, but multiple could. There was no way back now.

They looked into each other's eyes. They had grown up together, studied together. Fighting together, protecting each other. Especially the pairs, they had become each other's compliments. They completed each other. And after elemental binding, their souls had been bound together as well. There was no way one would survive without the other. Moreover, with the flames' strength, there was no guarantee of what would become of their soul inside. This left them feeling dreadful and helpless.

But this lasted for a single moment before being replaced by pure determination. Which of them had not known the stakes involved when they decided to come? Besides, it wasn't like they were planning to have their souls destroyed... though the possibility was high.

The lady in azure sighed before she composed herself again. She turned to look at the exceptionally handsome man beside her. Her eyes were filled with deep love. She took his hands in her.

An anguished look flashed in his beautiful eyes. He opened his lips to say something, but in the end, nothing came out. Nothing seemed suitable. The words seemed superficial. He only took her delicate face in his hands and kissed her before holding her tightly in his embrace.

It was mere seconds after that the lady lightly pushed him away. They didn't have much time to spare. She softly spoke, "Wait for me, alright?.." Then she left and directly entered the inferno without turning back. The flames turned azure as they enveloped her, and in moments, she disappeared as if she was never there.

A tear escaped from the man's eye, but nothing more showed on his face. Turning around, he spoke in a solemn voice, masking his pain, "I request the other guardians to make haste."

Amidst the chaos and gloomy atmosphere, a calm, cheerful voice replied, "Of course, leader." It was a tall, slender young man with striking features that made him look like he was just sixteen. He wore emerald green robes, simple and elegant. His eyes, bright shade of a lush, green meadow. A light smile lit up his face beautifully. He turned towards the little maiden beside him but was surprised to see her tiny face covered in tears.

"Yulisa, why are you crying? I'll be back real soon. You just have to promise me not to fall for another man while I'm not here, okay?" He tried to tease her as well as he could, considering how tired he felt.

The girl did not say anything. Instead, she threw herself in his arms, burying her face in his chest. A muffled cry left her mouth. The man was shocked by this sudden gesture and just stood there staring blankly.

But before he could figure what to do, she abruptly let go and stepped back, staring straight at her feet, refusing to look up. Her face and the dropped gaze hiding her emotions. Looking at his stubborn little lady, the man smiled again. But there was a slight bitterness to it this time. He gave her head a little pat, "Keep smiling. You don't want to look ugly now, do you?" This was the last thing he said before swiftly turning and stepping into the formation unhesitatingly. This time the flames burned a bright, emerald green. In the silence that followed, only stifled sobs could be heard.

As the green glow subsided and the yellow color returned, a low scoff was heard, "Hmph.., even the kids are done now, what are we waiting for?" Everyone turned to look at a dashing man in crimson robes. His deep red eyes complemented his chocolate brown complexion stunningly. He was supporting a tall beauty with one hand.

Hearing him acting like a child, the lady raised one of her eyebrows.

"Are you that eager to get rid of me?" Though she tried to sound sarcastic, it still seemed forced.

"If we end up being the last, won't it mean we are cowards?! Why not let me do it? I am very sure I'm more than capable of handling it." He seemed indignant.

"Stop being childish. Besides, I am the one jumping in. You'll have to admit that I'm the stronger one among us. You are most definitely not needed here."

He couldn't be the one going... elemental sprits were pure essences of mother Nature. They were necessary for the balance of the universe. Considering their current chances of success, none of them could afford the consequences if something went wrong and one of the elementalists got destroyed.

"Hah, I can't believe how someone can be so full of herself. It...It's obvious that I am str...stronger...but.." I still failed to protect you...

He could not complete his sentence.

She was right. He was not strong. He was weak.

She was the strong one. She stood tall, her crimson knee-length dress fluttering. It was torn and signed at places, though it only added to her wild charm. Stunning features reflected the golden hue of the inferno, setting off the scar beside her right eye. Her perfect curves made her look like a rose in full bloom.

The man felt even more helpless, so useless. It was his responsibility to protect her, and he had failed miserably.

"Huff.., fool..." she muttered, her chocolate brown eyes softening. His eyes were so readable. There was endless guilt and self-blame. But she didn't like to see him this way. That expression was not for a man like him.

She turned towards him and roughly grabbed his collar. Then deeply kissed him. When they separated, her eyes looked directly into his.

"Listen carefully, you idiot. I do not want to see my man being so miserable. If you really do miss me, then come find me." Then she started to walk away. When she was about to step into the inferno, he called from behind,

"You just wait. One day I'll be stronger than you... strong enough to protect you. I'll come to find you then."

"I'll be waiting." She lightly smirked before disappearing in a crimson blaze.

He could do nothing but watch.

"Looks like I'm up next." An amused voice sounded. It was another young man, around 18-19 years old. Dressed in a pristine white robe, even amidst all the chaos and despite his haggard and injured appearance, he still looked scholarly. He was not exactly tall, but neither could he be said to be short, with a slightly wheatish complexion and a pair of light grey eyes that were full of mischief. There was a slight smile on his thin lips, giving him a seductive charm, very unlike his gentleman-scholarly look.

There was a fairy-like maiden beside him. She, too, was dressed in all-white with the same grey eyes, a shade darker than his.

Listening to his amused tone, she turned towards him. His handsome face had a devilish smile making him look like he couldn't care less about whatever the hell was happening.

Her pink lips pouted as she cutely whined, "Brother Kai, I'll miss you! So don't forget about me, alright? I won't make you wait long. I'll find your soul no matter where you reincarnate and snatch you back for myself. Do wait for me, okay?" She was looking at him with her big eyes, looking so adorable that one couldn't help but pinch her cheek. That's precisely what Kai did.

"Of course, how could I not wait for my little Eve?" His smile widened as he messed up her hair. "And you better be good while I'm not here."

"Yup" Eve said with a sweet smile.

"I wonder if I should feel bad that there's no crying for me."

"How could you say that when I just made such a passionate promise?" Eve rolled her eyes.

Kai lightly waved his hand at her and proceeded to enter the blazing formation. This time it turned blinding white. As the fire changed back to yellow, Eve's expression turned blank.

Now there was only one couple left.

They were donning robes as black as the night that glittered as if decorated by stars. Except for their facial features, they both appeared very much alike, what with their cold beauty and aloof looks. It was a beauty beyond the restraints of gender.

Although they were gorgeous, it wasn't that sort of innocent, delicate, and soft beauty; instead, it had a certain evil charm to it. Their pale, jade skin complemented their dark black eyes that were like a vortex that pulled your soul in.

This pair usually didn't talk much. Their faces expressionless and indifferent to everything around them, as if nothing was worth their attention. Unapproachable.

In reality, these guys had never bothered about anyone besides the very few for whom they would actually spare some efforts. But once they started caring for someone, they would always put them before themselves. Their group members being a few of such people.

Though cold to the world, they very, very sticky about each other.

When their turn came, they stood there holding hands.

"Take care" The lady's soft voice broke the silence.

Standing beside each other, they looked more like porcelain dolls.

"I will." came a simple reply in the man's deep voice. "I love you."

"I know."

"I'll miss you."

"I know." There was a hint of a smile in the lady's eyes.

"...I don't want you to go." He whined a little.

"Hehe. Do you think I do?"

She smirked, tiptoeing and kissing his cheek. Then turned and gracefully walked into the formation, which this time turned pitch black.

The man's face finally cracked. He pouted, and his eyes filled with tears. But he soon turned indifferent again. Only this time, the indifference was thicker, with a dark, gloomy aura surrounding him.

It had not been easy for any of them. Setting aside the emotional burden of losing their other half, there was also the fact that their mates were connected to them through their souls. This meant that every time one experience any influence on their soul, the other would share it. Every time one went and burned in the Hellfire, The other had gone through the same torture. But they were too tired, too exhausted... and in too much grief. Currently, the pain was a welcomed distraction.

The remaining people didn't have any chance of grieving for their lost people. They now had to gather whatever energy they were left with to deal with the sacrificial fire before it went haywire and ended up consuming the souls of the Guardians altogether.

Though very dangerous, there was still a tiny chance that they could save the souls of their friends.

The Guardians were divine beings with an astounding amount of energy within them. The power of the sacrifice of these five Guardians even overloaded the capacity of the Hellfire. It turned into a blindingly bright shade of golden white as waves upon waves of energy burst out in all directions, threatening to tear the very fabric of reality.

This outcome was precisely the reason for which they had to sacrifice all five of the Guardians.

Actually, three Guardian souls were more than enough to quench the inferno. But by sacrificing five Guardians, they made sure that only their cultivation and physical energy would be consumed. Thus sharing the damage and managing to protect their souls.

As the energy continued to overflow, the remaining were entirely focused on countering this energy with their own. When they finally managed to suppress the inferno, the formation started to seal itself. Just before it closed shut, it regurgitated the divine souls in the form of five different colored energy flames.

These flames were secured by their respective elementalists, who then forcefully sustained them using their own life energy. Immediately after the seal was completed, they carried the flames away through the wraps of time and space to reincarnate in an entirely different dimension. This was done to keep them hidden while they were still in their weakened state, recuperating slowly by undergoing the cycle of rebirth and death.

Meanwhile, this was extremely taxing for the elementalists too. After going through that fierce fight, the emotional blows, the immense pain of their soul burning, they had to even bear the brunt of crossing dimensions and time. They didn't have enough energy to even maintain their human forms. On their return, they were put into a centuries-long slumber by mother Nature.

Until they became strong enough to return again. Until they had a reason to return again...

As they regained their strength, so did the few devoted followers of the Fallen God, who he had hidden throughout the multiverse, and had left his treasures and dark arts with before he fell. They were responsible for carrying on his legacy and avenging his death!

And so the years flew by....