Chapter 11 - The Between Realms

"The Between Realms?" They all raised a brow in response.

"Yes," Change nodded, "The Between Realms is a space that exists outside of all universes. It is the only infinite space, and it is the place that The Cycle revolves around."

"What's this 'Cycle' you keep mentioning?" Ray asked as he sat down, tired from his previous fight, "You said it before, but I don't know what you mean by that."

"The Cycle is something that can only be comprehended and not explained. It holds together all the elements of existence so that reality may remain stable. The element of Cycle was also named after The Cycle because it is the element that connects all other elements. This is why those from your universe who awaken two elements will usually awaken one element and darkness or light, the cycle element."

"We will come back to this, but for now, let us focus on the main topic. The reason you must travel to The Between Realms is that it contains the essence of elements. Of course, you are FAR too weak to obtain them right now, and I am merely giving you a goal. For now, you will need to stabilize your world. Hunt down spacial tears, and roaming demons over the world and collect their stones. When you have enough, I will use it to stabilize your universe's condition." Change continued.

"What are those essence of elements? Why do we need them? And, what exactly IS a demon?" Lorelai questioned, wanting to understand the entire picture.

"Well, you need not worry about the essence of elements right now. As I said, you are far too weak. Even if I explained it to you, you would not understand. The reason you need them is to strengthen your universe. All natural universes are connected to The Between Realms since it is the origin of everything. Since yours does not have that connection, you need to create it," Change spoke unhurriedly as he rubbed his beard..chin? Face?

"Wait! Are you saying that our universe is not natural?" Lilith noticed a point.

"Yes. That is exactly what I am saying. Your universe was created for some purpose that I am not aware of. You guys are an anomaly that should not exist. Hel is trying to destroy this universe because of something that is said to be hidden here. However, I highly suspect she is being manipulated," Following that statement, Change's pressure increased suddenly, leaving everyone in the room floored. It only lasted a mere instant, yet that was nearly enough to knock out all those present.

Everyone got back up with lingering fear after that experience.

"Hohoho! I apologize for that friends. I had lost myself for a bit. Hel is my wife you see, and that is why I am helping you all. Well, it is the main reason, but there are other factors. I want you all to help me stop her as she is being corrupted, turning into a demon. Demons are spirits that have been corrupted. By spirits, I do not mean the dead, I mean creatures formed by saturation of elemental essence in an area. It is similar to an aspect, but not quite the same. A corrupted spirit loses its sentience if it is in the manifestation layer and its sanity if it is above. Hel is the creature you saw earlier Lorelai." Change elaborated as if he hadn't just dropped the weight of a world on their shoulders. Well considering the situation, he is dropping the weight of the universe, almost literally.

"But she looks like a child," Lorelai remarked.

"And I look like a warframe."

"Fair," Ray laughed.

Change continued, "Both Hel and I cannot exert any influence in this universe because it is not connected to the Cycle. If she forcefully makes a connection, then I can as well. Her simply using a spirit stone to appear here let me appear here as well." Change explained, "I know that it seems abrupt for you all to suddenly go from ordinary people to saviors of the universe, but you must take up the tasks to protect things that you hold dear, and because no one else can."

Ray shrugged.

"Well, If I have to, I have to. No use in beating up over it and throwing a tantrum. I just want to know why I am the most vital piece."

"As the source, you are the only one who can carry out the connection procedure since you are the only one that can interact with the fabric of the universe. You can think of it as being the god of this universe. But, you can only do this after getting to the greater stage."

They suddenly felt Change's pressure decrease a lot.

"Well, it seems that my time here is coming to an end. there is a lot you must figure out and a lot you must do. In the end, you simply have to become stronger and purge demons. There are demons for each element, but you should just refer to them as water, fire, wind, earth, light, and dark for now. Due to Hel, there will be spatial tears that demons will leak out of, you must destroy them and acquire their stones. Every time you leave one, I will consume one stone to close it. Many people with abilities will start appearing, so you should try to form an organization of some sort to be more efficient. You may also fight those from other universes or those from The Between Realms like earlier. What Lorelai killed was an uncorrupted spirit. Robert, I believe you can handle this situation with the police, the rest, aside from Melanie, should leave." Change said before his body dissipated into black smoke.

As he dissipated, everyone heard his fading voice speak once more, "Oh, I almost forgot to say Rel and Lilith can use the stones to make contact with me again. Also, go the West continen-" He cut off without finishing.

After Change left, everyone was silent. Nobody doubted his words after everything they had witnessed or been through. The weight of what they had learned slowly sunk in. Ray gazed out of one of the windows. He stared silently at the bustling city. From such a distance, he wouldn't have been able to make out anything, but it was enough to see a bit with his newfound power. He sighed.

The sound of sirens could be heard faintly in the distance, jolting everyone out of their trance.

"Well everyone, you heard him. Right now, I, Lilith, and Lorelai should leave. We'll leave Robert to handle this. Where should we meet up?" Ray took charge.

"Go to the Voliare Corporation building and tell the receptionist this passcode," Melanie recited a code for them, "You will be taken to his father. Wait for us there."

"Alright. I memorized the code because I don't trust a certain idiot. Did you get it, Rel?" Lilith looked over at Lorelai.

"Yes. It's not that difficult," She replied, 'Rel? Well, I guess I'll accept it since we'll most likely be fighting together for a long time,' She shook her head as she walked to the window along with Ray and Lilith who had started bickering.

"Hey, how could you call me an idiot? My brain is the sexiest part of me!" Ray protested as he flipped his hair dramatically.

"That's an insult to your good looks. One should learn to appreciate their good sides and accept their faults." Lilith laughed.

"I'll have you know that I also memorized the code," Ray said smugly.

"Oh really? What is it then?"

Ray started sweating, "Why should I? I have nothing to prove to you. Hmph!"

Lilith laughed with tears in her eyes, "You indeed have nothing to prove."

Everyone was dumbfounded at the interaction between those two. They had just learned that the fate of the universe lies in their hands and these two were arguing like it was all a dream.

Mel laughed as she looked at Robert, "Reminds you of when we first met, don't you think?"

"Yes, Lilith's abusive tongue reminds me a lot of you," He laughed but felt a chill on his back shortly after.

"Well, I guess I'll have to let you re-experience some of that abuse," She said with a dark smile.

Lorelai sighed as she looked at Ray and Lilith, "Okay you two, we have to get going or things will go south really fast."

Lilith and Ray soon stopped bickering and turned to Lorelai, ready to leave.

"Sorry about that, let's go."

Lorelai nodded before jumping out the window. The duo was surprised and hurriedly rush over, only to see her nimbly making her way down the massive mansion. The duo looked at that and gulped. Although they had the physical ability, they probably didn't have the skill. Though, Lilith may have enough to make it down without much problem.

"Well, YOLO- Wait. In our case, is it YOLT?" Ray questioned, but Lilith simply kicked him out the window and followed behind.