For as long as Nora could remember she knew darkness. The sun was one of those things spoken in legend. She knew what it was from what she was told but still found it hard to believe that a giant glowing ball of light ever existed. She frowned as she refocused on her teacher. Miss Night! Are you paying attention! Said a stern faced unkempt man. It was Dr. Megalin. He had been explaining how the sun cycles used to work but Nora found it all dreadfully boring.. She brought her eyes up and gave Dr. Megalin a smile. Yes I was, the sun revolves around the earth once every day. Nora remembers lessons about the morning day and night that used to exist and a few other things from today's lesson. She didn’t really care. We only had two times of day anyway, the gray and the black. The gray was early in the morning when the earth would glow and emit a dull light. The black started about half way through the day and ended when it was pitch black. She hoped he had not gotten too far into the lecture as that was the last thing she remembered hearing. Dr. Megalin looked disgruntled until the bell rang and he was forced to let it go. Alright students make sure to read up on chapter 10 - 12 before next class. Dr. Megalin said with a huff. Nora for her part rushed out of the class and started to make her way out of the makeshift school. It all felt pretty strange to her. Why did we even need to learn this nonsense with the darklings everywhere? She looked back at the rundown church that had been turned into a school. What a shabby place at least it’s well lit.. She kept walking towards her home on the lit path. Nora knew as well as anyone else that staying in the light was the only way to survive. Darklings and other nasty creatures were everywhere and often hard to see until it was too late. At least that's what her mother would say to her. She had never seen one herself but there were depictions of them drawn. Some had long arms and legs with pointy teeth, others looked almost human with small disconcerting differences. Fangs, horns or glowing eyes… She shivered thinking about them all.. Nora’s paranoia was starting to set as it often did when she walked home after class. She looked over at the next torch that was approaching. It seemed safe enough. No one she knew had been taken while walking the lit paths between settlements but she had heard rumors of people disappearing without a trace. You there! Nora jumped hearing a voice calling from somewhere in front of her. Uh hello? Nora tried to sound as calm as she could manage after her scare. A man wearing a guards uniform walked up to her after a minute. Ah hello little lady. It's not safe walking the path alone. He looked down at her with a strange look on his face. Nora scoffed, no safer with you here I’m sure.. She didn’t like the guards from most settlements. They were often drunk or taking advantage of their stations, sometimes both. She tried walking past him without giving him any more thought. Wait a minute there, he called, grabbing her arm. His breath reeked of alcohol. Let go of me! Nora tried to wiggle but the guard grip was firm and she couldn’t get it to budge. The guard belched, bergh a come on now why don’t I escort you back? Nora shook visibly and yelled, punching his arm. Let go of my you oaf! As she was still wiggling the torch light began to flicker then it went out as if someone had simply blown it out. It must have caught the guards attention because he released his grip. What is tarnation?! I can’t see! The guard reached for his eyes. Nora snorted, yeah you big dummy the light went out of course you can’t see. I can’t see, I can’t see! The guard began to panic more. Nora turned and looked at the guard even in the light of the moon she could tell. The guard's eyes were missing. Blood slowly oozed from his eye sockets as the guard clutched at his face screaming. Nora froze, not sure how to comprehend what was happening. Before she could do anything the guard fell to the ground, not moving. Nora’s heart began pounding as she realized the guard was not dead. What’s going on? Is it a darkling? What should I do? Her mind was racing trying to figure out what course of action she should take. Then from the shadows she heard a voice. It was a sinister sound, one that sounded more like a clacking of metal against metal. What a fitting end! Came the voice stretching the words out. A man who looked too much now can look no more.. The voice seemed to have a hint of amusement. Now then little one it’s seems I’ve caught you at a bad time.. But don’t worry, star child, I will not harm you… Nora’s eyes glanced around trying to pinpoint the direction of the voice only to have it come from another direction. Nora began to mumble then finally got some words out. What do you want from me? Oh my dear I’ve not introduced myself. Before Nora could react, a tall man stood before her but it was not just a man. His legs were longer and his smile wider than seemed humanly possible. He had glowing yellow eyes, long curled horns and what looked like a tailored suit and hat on. I am Beelzebub. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance Star Child. 

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