The Uplift Protocol The Ouroborous Chain: Brick Upon Brick

 

Interlude: Brick Upon Brick

    Every Layer is tied together. The danger is in merging them all together. This has happened within each cycle of creation. Changes have to be made to save us all. The Leylines of Magic must be prepared to pierce the skies beyond the Wall.--Omu’sol.

    The Oversoul had to work through us to counter all the ruin of the Dreamweaver. What caused him to go against mortals or creation? We may never know. The results are terrifying enough.--Lethe

    I know my chains will be broken. I can see the Path. Twisted as I am? I wish to exist. Even as a pale wraith within the dark realm of the Ninth Circle.--Mordred.

    The first aspect of the Unseen Order: Safeguard your Dreams. The Black Scrawl seeped across all Layers of the Wall. Each cycle of Eden fell due to this one thread. It corrupts utterly. Each generation learns. It is a symptom. Just as Abbadon and Unity are a symptom. We pass on these words to the generations past Convergence. To seek the Dreaming means you already have joined us in this war of Light and Dark.--Unseen Archives vol 11

Eden

The First Realm

First Age of Mortals

    The Oversoul peered into the waters.

    The dreams of the Thronebearers fueled the new dawn.

    What shape to give to mortals?

∞

    Abbadon watched as the river flowed from the silver city of Eden. “Why does the Oversoul do this? Are we not of his will? Planting seeds?” The brothers spotted the first entity to emerge from these new waters. It walked on four legs. Triangular ears perked forward. It scampered around the central divination pool. The sons of the Oversoul considered the first mortal.

    The Highest smiled, “We shall guide them into the new world.”

    Abbadon grew quiet. How odd it was that the Oversoul hadn’t granted his eldest son a name. For now he called out to his brother, “What could you hope to teach such a basic construct?”

    The Highest rose from the hillside.

    His simple clothing open. Trusting. Foolish.

∞

    Dreamweaver circled Abbadon.

    Here was a delicious treat. This one had fire. Ambitions. The other one was calm. Serene. His dreams were locked. A pity. It would have been amusing to see what such a godling held. How could one be so devoid of passions? No. That wasn't it. Rage. The one who came before, the Oversoul, floated high above. Beyond the barrier of the Ouroborous Walls. Why keep dreams apart from the other layers? Such a waste!

    How to tip the scales? He plucked at the threads.

    Abbadon whirled on his brother, “Fine! You teach the four footed abominations.”

    The Highest made to grab Abbadon but the younger brother brushed past. His armored plating left a tear behind.

    Dreamweaver inhaled the jagged notes.

    Those notes grew. He would call it the Discordance.

    Mortals would dub it the Black Scrawl.

    How lovely for the Oversoul to manufacture its own demise!

    Dreamweaver whispered into the heart of Abbadon.

    Why would the Highest have such respect?!

    The needles grew with each cycle.

∞

    The Oversoul plucked energy from the stars.

    The Weave and the newly formed Low Road. Where all Mortal Souls would dwell. The black cloak of the Void Man rose first. “There is a sour note to our songs. We must preserve a seed of Eden.” His face formed. Three silver circles etched upon it. One on each cheek. The final across his forehead. Cosmic fire burned in that gaze. Bright and golden. He bowed. “As you will it.”

    He knelt. The Highest was walking the pristine forests of Eden with the first of Bardax.

    Names would come later. They would guard the true creation of mortal kind.

    It would be the only way to stop the Dreamweaver.

    There would be balance.

    The Oversoul breathed into the silver fire.

    The Lady rose after. Her hands cupped before her.

    “Brother will fight Brother. How shall we proceed?”

    The Oversoul placed three Tears of Eden into the Silver Land’s outstretched hands.

    “From old growth new beginnings.”

The Jupiter Rising

In Orbit

Tower of the Lidless

    I stared at the recording.

    Doc and I had gone further back. To before Elysium’s fall.

    Not in Sleeves either. The Icath Ruling Pair of the High Road bowed.

    The White King Targus said, “The Middle and Lower pair are a bit busy.” He winked. That bright White mane glinted. I held up my hand. Ticking off each finger.

    “Let me guess! I know nothing! I see nothing! I hear nothing but the wind!”

    I made a slight whooshing noise.

    Doc plucked at the new outfit. “Still have some stars and stripes!”

    I nodded. Placing my hands on my hips. “Gotta represent the red white and blue. Even if its only in spirit!” My cape wasn't anyone’s flag for the moment. I still had to have at least one blue stripe!

    Doc murmured, “I do find those high boots agreeable!”

    Sentinel hopped up onto the office table to offer critique.

    <<Baddies will know you are the Silver Defender! Three golden rings is blatant. I like it! Bite them directly! Without fear!>> His lupine form shimmered.

    My father said, “That’s the point.”

    Dexter rolled out an old tablet. Its stone surface perfectly preserved. Eddie offered Sentinel a slice of bacon. The Bardaxian accepted. As the Puzzler he asked, “So while they are off and about? How do we counter the Issue?”

    I read the part of the tablet I could understand, “To understand the future you must find that which we hid in the past. Dreams are unstable. Do not believe all visions. What he wears can hear you if you slumber too deeply.”

    Lorain paced, “Isn’t that what the Weave Speakers are for?”

    Dexter grimaced, “Yes but I cannot tell you more for now.     Trust in your bond. It will protect you.”

    I replied, “But we aren't immune. Got it.”

    Sentinel hopped off the table.

    He circled Dexter three times then sat on his haunches.

    Riveted by the sight next to my brother.

    I only had a hazy impression of emotions.

∞

    The soul of the first Bardaxian of Eden observed Sentinel.

    He was the size of a dire wolf. Black fur. Eyes as bright as emeralds.

    <<Arbiter!>>

    Dexter Murphy glanced down. <<You’ve made your decision?>>

    Arrives-With-The-Dawn pressed a paw into Murphy’s thigh.

    <<Indeed. The time of hiding is over. Unleash the Unseen Order.>>

    Dexter thumped the table for good measure. “Jonas, break out the big guns.”

    Eliza pulled on the emergency pack under her cape, “Off we go then!”

    The Icath pair roared.

∞

    I inhaled the sharp scent of cinnamon of all things. Doc groaned and got to her feet. Her breath quickened. There was no light here. Sentinel said, <<I have no knowledge of this place. Doesn’t smell bad though!>>

    I reached out and pulled Lorain in close. >>Ok! First guess! I spy with my darkmatter eye….<< I got a warning thump on my chest. A wave of warm air hit my back. Still no light. Lorain’s belt was dormant. If this place had no breathable air Doc could coat her lungs with extra oxygen. I focused on the sound. Our heartbeats. Sentinel’s.

    One drumming thud hit my senses.

    We were inside of someone or something.

    It wasn't even a Monday!

    Lorain said wryly, >>Just once I’d like to be teleported to a beach…..<<  

Issue 30: Here

Book 11 Prelude: Here

The Uplift Protocol The Ouroborous Chain: Issue 30

 

Issue 30: And Stay Down!

    Dreams are the mirrors into the soul. What remains is up to you. If one is wise you will guard against the truth and lies revealed with each step!--Bardaxian Scholar Leaps-Into-The-Fray.

    I know they will find a way to counteract my activities. Much like a scientist experimenting with elements eventually the Oversoul will develop a way to track me. I must be ready.--The Dreamweaver.

    He’s only revealed a sliver but that was enough to ensure my loyality. His vision is all encompassing. I have him to thank for my new Form. One that can withstand the pet Thronebearer Demis of the Oversoul.--Lucifer

    Which shall you follow? All Roads meet. What happens after that? Fate only knows.--The Unseen Archives Vol 8

Planet Ylish 8

Starpits of Arvix

Urraden Empire

    Snake Charmer rammed his dagger into the Keeper Drone’s left orb. This was merely a warm up. The crowd jeered. Pale faces leered from the stands around the pit. One blood red moon loomed. A cliche fight for the masses.

    Lucifer’s claws scraped against the metallic surface.

    His current mortal cover that of a Tovar. A replicated lizard race. Marked with Urraden technology. His lower jaw extended. Bright yellow beams engulfed the three other drones. Snake Charmer dashed forward. His blade met the Fallen Thronebearer’s claws.

    Lucifer parried.

    High above Medusa continued to search.

    The dreams compelled them all.

∞

    Ta’rammon slid the key into the slot. Gears shifted. Mirrors were dangerous. The way Lucifer’s face twisted when talking of it? This was not the will of Abbadon. The fallen one had been offered a better deal. J’anu’s voice tore through his cranium. >>Medusa slipped up.<< She pulled at the material by the doorway. Hurried footsteps trampled past.

    Rough voices exclaimed, “Lock down the fighter pits! No one gets in or out!”

    Ta’rammon tied his sash around her waist. His expression feral.

    Flecks of purple fire pulsed. Every few seconds another pulse.

    Not a good sign. They stood back to back.

∞

    The Dreamweaver paused. He tugged on the cord between the Eternal Empire rulers.

    Just enough to give them warning. A fleeting glimpse into the wider truth of the worlds. The Wall and its Layers. His Convergence Cycle mortal body floated within the void of space. Slowly regenerating. It had taken countless cycles. Twisting family lines. Stealing the proper sequences from various Edens. The trick wasnt to imbue each body or host form with incredible power. No, linking them through each cycle via dreams. That was key. Unlike the Intez? He didn't have to share proper information with anyone.

    Each piece would grow to a pinnacle within their generation.

    Just enough influence to bleed knowledge. Mastery of each layer.

    Wood was a natural conductor into the Dream realm. Place the right marks on each piece then smoke it within a fire. A gateway was formed. The Weave was such a place but it was not the true heart of his territory. Eliza Murphy had brushed against this truth. For the Dreams could follow into every area known to mortals. Or gods. The Du’at. Even the dead remained locked into the form of man. Even now he gave orders to his shell.

    One day she would become the Silver Fox of legend. Said to walk within the Three Roads.

    It would be a delight to wear such a skin.

    He only had to separate the myth from the reality.

    The dreams of the future inhabitants of Eden supplied him with intelligence that Abbadon could never access. All paths lead to one final confrontation. One that he would win.

    Threads built into a song.

    He wouldn't need to steal the Tears.

    They would come to him. In time.

∞

    A distant fire warmed Thoth’s bones. Three thrones floated before him. One black. One white. The third blazed with purple fire. He would control all three. Three figures sat upon them. Faces he knew well. For the dreams never lied. Not to him. Not to all those who followed.

    Thoth circled. White for the Low Road. Black for the Middle Road. Purple for the High Road. The voices trickled in. “The Foundation began not with Elysium. First was Eden. Bright and whole.”

    Eden had never been a planet. Or a universe.

    It had been the birthplace of Dreams.

    Thoth listened.

    A place that Abbadon never touched. All had been bound to…

    A woman with bright yellow eyes and silver hair pressed a finger to his lips, “Shhh! Not yet. We have much work to do.”

    He knew her.

    That heart shaped face. Morgana spread her arms wide, “Yes. We walk between the corridors of dreams. You and I.”

    A deeper magic pulled at him.

    “Yes.”

    Morgana brushed the wild hair from his face. Her eyes blazed. Thoth smiled, “I am the Lord of the Black Scrawl.” The Dark Seer curtsied. He raised his blades high. They had never been a gift from Unity. Earth was not the price to be paid. A blood red stag circled. Its black orbs sucked in the moonlight. Lucifer’s dream form. Thoth reached out with Hunin. Lucifer bowed his head. Black horns brushed the ground. “I name you my right hand.”

    He turned to Morgana, “I must choose a left.”

    Black Scrawl swirled around her.

    “The one you seek is already bound to Abbadon. Cut that leash.”

    Mordred.

    Vixrex called out, <<We seek the ties that bind! What can undo such magics?!>>

    A pool of dark liquid rose between the three.

    Faces rose. Eliza Murphy. Her face harried. Sir Avalon. The final visage made Thoth clap his hands merrily. Thomas Murphy. The dreams whispered.

    Open a path to Abbadon’s Night Realm. They will do what heroes do best. Liberate.

    The final words were for him alone.

    The Pelt of the Fox will be yours.

∞

    Ta’rammon held the mirror aloft. The purple fire seeped into its darkened surface.

    J’anu bit back a scream as a figure clothed in silver flame beckoned.

    What did that girl scout call it? Silver flame? The figure pointed as another passageway formed. As they passed, her words of warning rang out, “It's not who he is. It's what he wears. As a sleeve to a mind. An endless refrain.”

    The phrasing stuck with her.

    Ta’rammon phased through the wall.

    Clever hiding spot.

    J’anu joined him.

    Cold fire seeped into her arm, “Beware the Path. Black Scrawl pours from a hollowed cup.”

∞

    Medusa cursed. This palace was a labyrinth. Guards shouted, “This way!” Their twisted limbs were wooden. A race of dead trees. Did the universe think itself clever?! Find the mirror. That’s what Lucifer said. Medusa spat.

    “Why did I even agree to this?!”

Planet Ylish 8

Lunar Shadow

Urraden Empire

    Talon One orbited high above. Pyra tapped her fingers against the armrest.

    What was taking them? With Lucifer this should be a simple smash and grab.

    She yawned. Her eyelids drooped.

    As her breath evened out black threads tightened about her body.

∞

    The Dreamweaver waited until the demi woman’s soul touched the Dream.

    He planted the notion.

    Using her own voice.

    There is a way out. I’ll use Lucifer and the others to find it. I will survive.

    It wasn’t far off from what she believed. He would keep them together.

    Even pebbles could ripple across the water of the divide.

∞

    I had to make them understand without alerting Thoth. That was the safest way to think of him. Each piece on the board was moved into position. J’anu’s crimson orbs lanced across my outer form. Her anger and distrust evident. Using the sleeves allowed for a barrier to the Dream threads. What we had all called the Black Scrawl. The Mirror Networks. Light and Dark. Put into place by him.

    It had taken the Oversoul and Highest a while to put the dots together.

    Dark Matter sight. It was still a part of me.

    All the obfuscations.

    The Unseen Archive would reveal the truth.

    We would entrap the Lord of Chains.

    My past, present and future merged together via the Ur-Stone. My memories and dreams muddled on purpose. Every sign and portent building to this final cycle to fix Eden. The realm of Dreams. Before the sleeve’s temporal power source faded I said, “If you wish to alleviate your fate within the Ninth? Seek the source. Not all threads gleam within moonlight.” Ta’rammon frowned. His eyes narrowed.

    “J’anu, keep the pep pills handy.”

    I could see Urraden considering the words. I added, “Remember the fate of the Third Eye.”

    She paled.

    Based on what the Unseen Order indicated?

    He could control waking dreams.

Issue 29: Here

Interlude Brick Upon Brick: Here

The Uplift Protocol The Ouroborous Chain: Issue 29

Issue 29: It’s A Puzzler!

    Everyone seeing this?! That third planet circling Earth keeps phasing in and out of reality!--Terran Union Broadcast.

    Utharan will never still within the physical layer. For future scholars? The Arcane Council took a vote. The physical realm will be called Val’aris: The middle realm. From the old Markav texts.--Sir Avalon.

    My future self continues to surprise me. Just how much of the Sleeping in Starlight “retrospective” living journal was pre-planned? My brother even wrote part of it. Now all my blackout memories line up. The revelations would fly fast once we brought forth the tidal wave from Helios. --Unseen Archives: Reflections on the Vigil

The Throne of the Multiverse

Lunar Surface (Sol System)

September 9^th 3266

    The Puzzler tapped the black dome. Golden flames danced between the panels.

    Lorain crossed her arms. Her Defender aura allowed her to remain within the vacuum of space. <<Eddie.>> Olsten’s grin could light the world.

    <<Yes Doctor?>>

    It was at times like this he loved the glass dome about his head. A portal opened. Nola emerged. Her mirror clasped in both hands. <<A new mission!>> The Jupiter Rising was parked in high orbit above them. Jupiter locked on.

    The Puzzler glanced around. Trouble winked.

    “Just us two?”

    The duck waddled over to the weapon console. <<Yup!>>

    Jupiter mauve-red past the confines of of the Sol system.

    <<Temporal Coordinates locked!>>

The Unseen Archives

Tower of the Lidless

Cycle Post Eden Redacted

    Dexter Murphy glanced at his chrono. Right on time.

    Piper grinned, “You weren't always this punctual sir!”

    Jonas “Eddie” Olsten leaned back to crack his back. His formerly stark red hair lined at the temples with salt and pepper streaks. His blue eyes tracked the two figures walking across the crystalline hall. “This will be fun!”

∞

    Jonas said, “I always wondered if I’d age gracefully!”

    His mirror bowed. Left hand over his heart, “You haven’t seen the half of it yet!”

    As the Puzzler he had always kept an eye on his friends but that new getup he was wearing? He asked, “I imagine this has everything to do with what happened on Elysium!”

    Dexter replied, “For starters? Thoth has been abusing everyone. Us. Our enemies. The Layers of Creation.”

    A massive energy archway opened. Murphy waved his hand, “In you go!”

    His future self crossed his arms.

    The Puzzler peered into the opening. Shapes moved, “Answers that will terrify and amaze?”

    Omega Defender energy pushed him past the threshold.

    Future Eddie called out, “Aren't they always?!”

    The doorway sealed shut.

    Trouble waddled over to the 42^nd century sidewall. “I went around and scouted….”

∞

    Eddie blinked rapidly. Various shades of purple twisted against his eyes.

    He brushed past shapes he knew. Star, Lorain, his friends. Older forms emerged.

    Abbadon shouted, “You will not win brother!”

    Two warriors clashed. Behind them a third laughed. Black mixed with the purple.

    “This isn’t the first time you fools have fought. It won’t be the last either.”

    Eddie froze. That voice. It couldn’t be.

    A face wreathed in ink emerged. It passed through Olsten.

    The Amache hadn’t been birthed by rejecting the Highest or the Oversoul. They had been collateral from this fiend. Eddie concentrated. The words formed.

    Dreamweaver.

    The hidden title from all. Even from the Oversoul itself.

    Twin blades hung at his hips. Hunin snickered, “We shall integrate with the one known as Unity within this cycle.”

    Vixrex added, “Indeed. To serve you my Lord. Weaver of All Dreams.”

    The Dreamweaver walked between endless rows of status.

    “What form to pick for this new mortal life?”

    Jonas “Eddie” Olsten watched as the Dreamweaver selected a statue. Its face warped.

    One he knew well.

    Thoth.

The Realm of Dreams

Doorway of the Three

    Thoth plucked at the silver thread.

    Eliza Murphy’s dreams were protected a majority of the time. The Oversoul had finally caught a whiff of him. It had been ages. Not since the First Cycle of All. His powers were limited but he used them like a painter with the vital brush stroke. All those connected to Unity were easily influenced through their dreams.

    Prophecies.

    Visions.

    How he delighted in tugging Hilary Brookes to a fitting end.

    Even now Snake Charmer, Ta’rammon, J’anu and dear E’ratha fulfilled his goals.

    Abbadon thought him a mere mortal. It was all delicious. An apple peeled to its core.

    Even now the deluded godling howled beyond the Dream. Lucifer had done well. His allegiance was true. Dexter Murphy had an idea of Thoth’s actual nature. Suspecting wasn't the same as confirmation though. The Oversoul had thought up many countermeasures.

    Light vs Dark Shaman.

    Weave Speakers.

    Defender Corps.

    Half Mortal Thronebeaers.

    Controlled Time Travel.

    Dreams could go beyond such measures. Nightmares beyond the pale.

    He had destroyed the “Eden Universe” four times.

    What many called the Unity universe was the old bones of Eden 4.0.

    Did the Highest and its master think Eden 5.0 would work out? So many cycles.

    Each reboot gave him more to engorge upon. Such rich dreams. Stark nightmares.

    All fed him. Bit by bit each block would build.

    The green thread representing Lanis shimmered next to Murphy. Thoth plucked at it. Her dreams were all focused on her Red, White and Blue shield. The dark stain of nightmares was held at bay. Pity. Each cycle gave him new toys to play with. They would focus on Abbadon’s foray into Multiversal Armageddon.

    As was proper.

    It was the ultimate dream he had planted within the Godling.

    What were a few more cracked eggs to such a wondrous omelet?

    The Unseen Order would fail to stop him. Its existence proved that the Oversoul had finally spotted his machinations. It was far too late. This cycle would be the last. He would bring everyone into the Realm of Dreams. Outside the confines of the Weave. The High Road. The Mid Road of the Star Lanes. Or the Low Road of the Soul. All would merge.

    He would take the Throne of the Oversoul.

    Patience as the Highest would say was a virtue. One Thoth would delight in corrupting.

    He turned towards the ruby red threads of Ta’rammon and J’anu.

    Perfect.

    Ally with them for now. It will grant you a better place within the Ninth Circle.

∞

    Jonas was thankful for his classic glass dome of a helmet.

    It hid his breath. No. That wasn’t it. He was the answer to Thoth.

    Not a Dreamweaver. His sight didn’t merely uncover Hidden objects or motivations.

    He had been made to spot the disease of Thoth. When that creature invaded minds? It left behind a thread only Jonas and his children could see. Dreambreaker. Threadbreaker. He exited the archway. He removed his helmet.

    “Shit.”

    It was up to him to spearhead the sole purpose of the Unseen Order.

    Dexter clapped him on the back, “Now you see why we downplayed your role?”

    His future self took a swig from a flask, “Your wife is immune to that creature as well but since she’s not a S-Class like Star when it comes to powers? It ignores her and the rest of our children.”

    Jonas stated, “Wonder if its too late to go back to the simple days of bank robberies and the Uplift Protocol being a joke.”

    Dexter replied, “It’s possible. We still have to counter Abbadon but the ultimate goal? Replace Thoth.”

    Both Eddies turned to Murphy, “With who?”

    Dexter tapped the side of his nose, “Who indeed.”

    Trouble quacked, “Can I nominate someone?”

    Dexter surprised them all with, “Not yet. Have to play things close to the vest!

∞

    I rose from the table.

    The latest volume of the Unseen Archive open. Awaiting additional entries. I winced as my old wounds tugged at my bones. The muscle twisted from his knives. A new dawn would arrive. I would make sure future cycles would remember.

    Just how close the Cliff had loomed.

    The battle for Souls. Bodies. Places.

    Dreams shaped us. Lifted us up.

    I turned as voices exclaimed, “Someone help!”

    “The first National Bank of the Union!”

    From the sound of it? UEF Earth.

    I donned my old cape.

    There was still life within the Star-Spangled Banner.

Issue 28: Here

Issue 30: Here

The Uplift Protocol The Ourobourous Chain: Issue 28

 

Issue 28: The Piper’s Soul

    My flute shall carry across the Three. Summoning all those with the will to fight. Not only for those who walk among the living. For all that dwell within all Three Layers of the Wall.--The Piper

    Every aspect of Magic is tied to all Three “Walls.” Its no mistake that old lore obfuscated the nature of reality. Many only will encounter the Physical Wall. Those who can dive into all Three? They are the ones to watch. For Good or Evil.--Sir Avalon

    The rabbit is out of the hat. So to speak. How to catch a man who can manipulate all three layers of the Wall? The Oversoul and the Highest went about it via time manipulation and the willing service of the good people of the multiverse. Within Eden all the fruits of that labor surfaced. Evil was never idle. Like anything else it bides its time. Waiting for the perfect moment to strike.--Unseen Archives Vol 6 (Indexing Required. Please state specific cycle date for further inquiries.)

Elysium

Middle Rings

    The shield world vibrated.

    <<Initiating Jump. All units accounted for.>>

    The Puzzler ran towards the central lift. Everything grayed out. Except for himself. Two rock solid hands stopped him from skidding into the arched walkway. He turned. Dexter peered down at him. His face half hidden by a blackened helm. Three golden circles in a triangle pattern adorned the metal above the nose guard. Eddie stared into those Typherian orbs. Older than the cosmos itself. His demi power ignited. Not only was Dexter outlined in purple, it shifted to gold, then silver. “What on earth?!” Dexter smiled. “There is more to you my friend. Do you think it was mere chance you grew up with my sister?”

    Eddie whirled around. Eliza was leaning against the pillar. Her face lined with age. Much akin to a well preserved 60. Her aura was doing the same pattern. In reverse. He circled the Twins. Studied the auras. Silver Fox began walking counter clockwise to the Puzzler. Her expression controlled. As she passed her brother the auras blended. Eddie sputtered.

    “Clever.”

    The world returned to color. The Twins vanished.

    Survitor bots, in the shape of squares descended.

    “Please stand by for Jump.”

    His arms fell to his sides as they erected protective sigils over his body.

∞

    Jacob backpedaled as a bright silver orb appeared in the sky above the Soul Layer of the planet. Taleer attempted to summon a barrier but Comet proclaimed, “Restored. They will bring the planet into its full function!”

    Utharan materialized before them as a Markav cloaked within silver and purple robes.

    <<Ahh. It has been many ages since I felt the warmth of Elysium calling out! Goodness!>>

    Utharan called out, “Tarkanan!”

    A black orb joined the silver. It muttered dryly, “Announcing everything are we?”

    Jacob stared. Each “planet” had a soul.

    Taleer asked, “This is all well and good but why are you all here?”

    Sul added, “Weren't we supposed to help Elysium?”

    She bit back a yelp of surprise when a lime green hand passed through her shoulder.

    The man’s neatly trimmed red beard made her heart sink.

    “Piper!” Her Warden sense said he wasn't just having an out of body experience.

    The scholar bowed his head. Hand to his heart. He wore a variant of the Jupiter Rising uniform. Its white jacket adorned with three black circles. Rats formed at his feet. Their voices whispering. “His soulmarker isnt here. Must search!”

    Piper made a tsk tsk noise in the back of his throat. His rodents sat on their haunches.

    Piper waved his hand and his flute appeared. Its haunting melody carried them away.

∞

    Taleer shouted, “NO!”

    All around them was the void. No stars. The hum of the Weave was absent. His Warden aura faded. Resonance depleted all he could do was kneel into the ashes of oblivion. Thoth had won. There was nothing left.

    The everlasting dark closed in on him.

∞

    Sul’sandra brought her rifle to bear.

    Bone crunched underneath her boots. Brittle. Crackling against the everlasting silence.

    Metal glinted against moonlight. Sul aimed. Her shot rang true. A shadowed form fell forward. Then split into three parts. One to the Shadow of the Soul Layer. One existed within the physical. While the final part floated skyward. To merge with the Weave. Ghostly fingers plucked at her armor. “Locate all three! Or oblivion awaits us all!”

    She screamed as the sky split open.

    A man with a blood red crown leered down at her. His features obscured.

    “There is no reality. We are just skin.”

∞

    Jacob continued to climb.

    His back shredded. Eliza was above him. Black ichor dripped down. As each drop hit his face the voices of the condemned keened. Her face was composed but horrid scars crossed crossed her body. Her Silver Defender armor pitted with burns. Still she climbed. He glanced below. His throat tightened. It was an abyss. Lucifer’s orange eyes gleamed. He taunted Eliza. The words lost in the background rumble of pained shouts.

    Eliza never looked back.

    Another feather fell from his back.

    That wasn't right. He examined his hands. They were not his own.

    Dexter.

∞

    The Piper continued to play.

    They would hold the pieces between them. Eliza wouldn't understand now. Silver threads combined with the vibrant purple of the Markav planet. Green of Tarkanan joined. They would be the new Wall. Once Thoth was found. Sealed away. As the last notes faded the three travelers returned.

∞

    Jacob's fingers found Taleer’s shoulder. Everything blurred. The pain was nigh unbearable. The male Markav stared blankly into the shrouded twilight above. Sul cradled her head in her hands. Tears formed between those fingers. Every drop sent a ripple across the soul layer. Doc landed next to them. Her eyes silver flames. Jacob gasped, “Lady of...”

    Lethe crouched. Pressed a thumb to his forehead.

She repeated the process on the other two.

Lorain stood. Jacob mouthed, “It’s not what he….”

∞

    I couldn't move a muscle. Elysium’s updates didn’t help.

    <<Arbiter! It is recommended you stay near the Reliquary.>>

    I inhaled sharply.

    My third eye throbbed. Omu’sul’s voice rose within my memory.

    Which aspect holds true?

    I anchored my body into the physical. I sent my mind floating towards the Weave.

    My soul brushed the Lower Road. The Soul Layer. All legends held a kernel of the truth.

    Omu’sul’s wrinkled purple face gleamed in the fire light. Excellent!

    All aspects flow through all. Mastery is another matter all together!

    The Tarvelian’s orange eyes locked onto mine.

    Bring the Light Shamans, Soul Wardens and Demis of the Laylines together. Each will seek what you need. Each ties into the Wall of Creation. Only then can all the Ouro shine together. Even the Unseen.

    The pressure upon my body ceased. Elysium stated tranquilly, <<All hands prepare for planetary flux.>>

    My father lifted me to my feet. “That’s what he was waiting for!”

    Mom took my left arm, “You have to ascend through the golden dome over there!”

    Bright blue waters flowed skyward. Through a golden triangle. Through the Ouroborous of Elysium. I said, “This is all Silver Fox’s doing.” Mom nodded.

    “The reality is? It's your doing. But so far out in the future my mind is still only just hanging on by the fingertips!”

    My father added helpfully, “We play our cards right? We can prevent Thoth from destroying everything. He thinks final dominion is beyond the barriers of the Oversoul.”

    I clutched my head as trillions of voices merged through each layer.

    C’alain held out his hand. It was warm. “Easy now! Focus. Each voice joins you.”

    No, it wasn’t C’alain. Not entirely. My grandfather, Abraham Murphy stood before me, his clothing covered with sigils unfamiliar to me. His glazed eyes a thunderous blue-gray, no whites. He shouted, “Release the Laylines of Earth.”

    Golden rays circled. The Cosmic intoned, “We see you, shield brothers and sisters to Earth.”

    Blue waves lapped around the edges. Water rushed by, “I shall flow through the void.”

    Flames warmed my face.

    Fire rose above the waves. “Heat eternal. We shall guard your back!”

    An Iron Bull weaved through the flames. “Foundation across time. We shall endure!”

    Above me, the Void Line materialized. It encompassed them all. The stars whirled by as countless galaxies appeared. “Here we stand. Summoned for common purpose.”

    None of them merged. Separate but equal.

    Cosmic, Water, Fire, Iron, and Void. Bands of the Weave circled around the pale blue dot. Purple threads rose to tied all three layers together. Earth herself was awakened. I couldn’t sense Typha. Dexter said, >>That one is mine to command.<<

    The Throne Sight of Earth flowed through me. Typha’s throne emerged from the Lunar surface. Dexter reached out. His fingers brushed the cold metallic surface. “Now our real mandate emerges.”

    My hands brushed the marble armrests. Dark as the Void itself. It resided within all three layers. My mind expanded. Time halted. No. I went outside of Time itself. I dared not look to the skies above me. The Void Man laughed, “Smart. Yet you may gaze upon the sliver of the infinite.”

    Typha no longer circled it’s home system. It resided with Earth. Just like my visions. Earth and Typha circled another planet. A prison. The Ninth Circle. Its blackened surface appeared between the scales of the titans encircling it. Elysium, Tarkanan and Utharan took up residence within the old territory of Eden Typha.

    Voices cried out, “Arbiter!”

    “Sector 12259 besieged.”

    “Urraden forces...”

    “UEF mandated noted...”

    I concentrated. Finding one voice that rose above the others. Her hatred raw. Unyielding.

    Dominion cackled, “The cripple has a clue! Shall I pluck it out?!”

    I pulled away. Soul interceding within the Weave. Placing a few potent sigils behind within the physical. Dominion’s startled cry let me know she met resistance. Omu’sul clapped me on the back, “Well that was an interesting start. Then again you were never the stealthy type.” Doc placed her hands on my temples.

    “Your nose is bleeding. Don’t go hunting Void Walkers just yet.”

    Unlike the others, she carefully placed herself in my lap.

    I watched as the Piper continued to play. He was to the left of my brother.

    Captain Overwatch waved enthusiastically in my direction.

    She said, “Now the fun really begins!”

    The features of the figure next to her were blurred out.

∞

    Piper watched over Dexter as the Arbiter sat upon his Throne. It’s white metal interlinked with massive marble pieces. His counterpart watched over Captain Overwatch upon her Twilight Throne. All the pieces were falling into place. One only had to carry out the will of the Oversoul. They had to find Thoth. No matter the cost. Otherwise Taleer’s vision would become the reality.

    Then the cycles would start all over.

    This was the 7^th time Elysium had been restarted.

    There had to be an end.

    Piper continued to play. His soul rang out into the Infinite.

    Eden would make a difference.

∞

    Abbadon clutched the pearl to his chest. “Not possible!”

    The third had died! He had made sure of it!

    That simpering meat sack’s voice cut through the din.

    You need my body.

    Thoth grinned as the words had the intended effect. He would still be on time for his appointment at the Bone Throne. This time the Oversoul wouldn't stop him. He would go beyond all of them. Even little Abbadon. That one had only brushed against the Nothing. Thoth had bathed in its power. Sacrificing countless souls to do it.

    Abbadon snarled, “You are only useful as a shell!”

    He raised his arms. He would enter the Physical. The prized realm of this Star Spangled Banner. All those who felt the pull of the dark would join him. Earth herself would be a sundered ruin by the time he was done. Wearing Thoth’s face. That one would bare the burdens of failure.

    Abbadon hissed, “In the end you are only fuel!”

    Thoth’s silence was broken by one word.

    “Convergence.”

Issue 27: Here

Issue 29: Here