Leoy’Shaah’s house was as she left it: A charred structure nearly unrecognizable from its initial design. All flammable parts of the house had been decimated by her arson, leaving a skeleton of bamboo shoots and stones. She winced at the sight of it. She had planned to kill herself at the small pond, but that had been botched, she was now faced with yet another of many regrets.

She desperately scoured the remains of the residence for one item in particular, a cloth that she would use for cleaning, bathing, and whatnot. She did not, however, plan to use it to bathe or wash her body, rather, she planned to use it to conceal herself. It was a stupid plan no doubt, but a stupid plan was better than none at all.

Just as she was clearing some of the pitch-black debris from what was once her bedroom– or was it her bathroom, she finally found the cloth. She wrapped it around herself, attempting to imagine what she would look like with her disguise.

Smells bad…

It had to have looked worse than she imagined; How could a charred cloak look good on anyone? But it would have to do. At least, until she could find a better disguise.

Suddenly, she heard movement outside the property. Leoy’Shaah, fearing the worst, crouched low and hid.

“Hello?” A voice rang out. It was a high pitched, but undeniably male voice.

Leoy’Shaah didn’t respond. Of course! Why would she? This man she knew not; she had yet to socialize with any of these people.

But I am… No longer Leoy’Shaah, so perhaps I may experience something more… Favorable?

Still, she suppressed the urge to call back, or even so much as crane her neck for a look. The man did not go away. “Come on! I know you're in there… Somewhere…”

Leoy’Shaah took a deep breath before finally giving in to her curiosity. She rose from her position calmly, not before making some final adjustments to her makeshift hood, then greeted the man.

“Ahem, hello there! What brings you here?” She saw the man was wielding an ax and swallowed. “Oh, I knew someone was there. Say, who are you? Never seen you in this area before, and who are you?”

“Uhh… I am Gretel!” Leoy’Shaah blurted.

Damn fool-sounding name!

The man looked puzzled, “Well then, what would you be doing here at Leoy’Shaah’s house?” A pang of fear crossed her heart. “Err… I don't know, I heard some of my neighbors speak about this house, and how some crazy person set the whole thing ablaze! I don’t know who Leoy’Shaah is, but can you tell me?”

“But, of course!” The man planted his ax firmly into the ground in a rather aggressive manner, before speaking once more: “Leoy’Shaah was a woman neither me nor anyone else really knew all that well, in fact, I’ll admit ha not heard of her before I heard of this house fire. Supposedly, a woman named Leoy’Shaah set this house a’ fire. And the village has not seen her since. Have heard that she had self-exiled herself. Though, those are just rumors…”

“Say, are you from the farming district? I haven’t seen you here.”

“I am,” Leoy’Shaah lied, “I have to say, had quite the trouble with soil recently. Perhaps we have not prayed hard enough.”

The man went silent, which scared Leoy’Shaah, she did not know whether this man could actually make out her features, and just did not know who she really was, or if she was adequately disguised.

“Ah, where are my manners? I am Hayden. Pleased to meet you.”

He outstretched his hand, one that Leoy’Shaah shook in a heartbeat. Had she not the disguise, she would have shrunk away from social interaction. But she was not Leoy’Shaah, she was Gretel.

The man scrunched up his nose. “You smell like this house, burnt. And may I ask why you wear a cloak?”

Lying time. She thought.

“I am actually a nomad,” She fibbed, “I came here a few months ago.”

Suddenly, the man looked worried. “I suppose you joined the covenant then?”

“Yes!” Leoy’Shaah snapped hastily, “I had quite a time there. Your chief Quon is very charismatic!”

The man hefted his axe, looking to the side. “Anyways, I should be going now. I am a lumberjack, so I am headed to the forest!”

He was about to leave, then a look of suspicion crossed his face.

“Hang on just a moment. Why are you at Leoy’Shaah’s house? I understand it to be of interest to explore such a place of… Anger and sadness. But that doesn’t explain why you have yet to leave as I.”

“Oh! Ummm….” Leoy’Shaah was puzzled at how blunt the question was, this man spoke softly, perhaps to compensate for such an axe.

“Well, I heard this woman was quite a recluse!” Leoy’Shaah blurted. “She was quite the disturbance, so they moved her out here.”

Hayden raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Y-yes, and since she is gone, I was planning to rebuild the home… And possibly live in it, or sell it.”

Hayden looked at her for a few moments before shaking his head. “This house is none of your property, and you certainly have no reason to be here unless Le… Leoshah… Ahem, Leoy’Shaah gave you permission herself. It is wrong. You would not want someone to be out of your home, yes? Certainly not. Why would Leoy’Shaah want that? I think not. I pity the girl. From what I heard, she was beyond saving. Offering herself to the forest as a noble sacrifice, as said by Quon himse–”

“Wait!” Leoy’Shaah remarked, “What did they say about her?” Hayden lowered his axe once more, sighing. Perhaps he was getting bored of the conversation, one that was leading nowhere, after all. Good, I don’t want to be disturbed. But must you leave so soon? What did they say about me…?

Hayden scratched the back of his head. “Err… Quon had a gathering once more. He had informed us that Leoy’Shaah had made a noble sacrifice, even in the time of bitter resentment of our ways, she knew what was right in her heart, and sacrificed herself to the woods. Quon said that she might yet be redeemed.

“W-well! That is certainly a story!” Leoy’Shaah bit her lip, “Say, do you think that she could still be alive out there? It's only been a couple of days.”

Hayden shook his head. “No chance. With the thing going on with the Unbon and all the dangers that lurk out in the dead of night… I would be mistaken to believe such a frail woman could survive such a harsh

Leoy’Shaah’s heart burned with affection. This man sounded incredibly empathetic to her struggles, even if you had managed to survive.

“So… Yeah.”

They stood still for a little while, neither really sure what to do. But Leoy’Shaah decided to break the established silence: “So, I suppose you have a lot of trees to chop, huh?”

“Yes… Farewell, I suppose…” Hayden began to leave, but suddenly, he turned.

“As a matter of fact…” Hayden said, “If I’m really going to be honest…” He approached Leoy’Shaah, causing her to almost take a step back from unexpectancy. “I… I am mainly going out to look for Leoy’Shaah myself…”

Leoy’Shaah was stunned.

“I got excited when I saw you, since I thought that you might be her…” Leoy’Shaah held her breath. Does he know?!

“But alas, you were not,” He said solemnly, “I still try to help where I can. This woman obviously needed help… Help that she did not have in time.”

“When I was very young… My late father told me good deeds come around…” He looked at Leoy’Shaah, “Sorry for keeping you late, I’m sure you have a schedule fuller than mine– and speaking of which, what is your profession anyways?

“Uh… Ah, a-a nomad like you!”

“Ah! That's what you told me earlier,” He put his hand to his head in a playful fashion, “Anyways, I should be going now. There are houses for sale as you go further into town. I bought one recently. I have to say, It is very peaceful near the farming district.”

“Yeah, I’ll think about it.”

“Anyways, I’ll see you later!” He strolled off into the direction of the forest.

Leoy’Shaah stood there, trying to make sense of what she was feeling. Was it love? No, not strong enough. Perhaps uncertainty? Yes, some of that was definitlely there. But… That sensation… She swore she could have felt it before…

Yes… It was that same feeling she had when she and Zayno had crossed paths for the first time. That feeling… That was the dawn of a new friendship.

When Leoy’Shaah later got to the nearest body of water, that being a small stream that carried nearly crystal-clear water down from the alps, and gazed into her own eyes from the reflection, finding out rather quickly that her disguise only partially covered her face, despite her confidence from earlier. She took more care into tucking the parts on her face into areas which they could not slip from. In the end, she was satisfied, and strolled confidently into town.

As she did, she noticed that the villagers, although noticing her, and eyeing her for a moment or two, ultimately ignored her for the most part, which Leoy’Shaah was quite used to. However, she could sense that this was a different type of dismissal. The inadequate social interaction versus being that of a taget of discrimination.

I am no longer Leoy’Shaah. She reminded herself, I am Gretel.

Now, It seemed really, the only thing left to do was decide who Gretel would be. What sort of person might adorn a mysterious, let alone, charred cloak?

Perhaps a sorceress? Leoy’Shaah thought. No! I must be stupid! A sorceress would only arouse more suspicion! Perhpas It would be best to continue with my… Less provacative profession.

As she walked by, she noticed people weren’t in the most pleasant mood. What got her to stop in her tracks, was the sound of a woman wailing.

“Nooooooooo, my babies!!!”

Leoy’Shaah whirled around in a fashion she would later characterize to Gretel. The woman behind her was in a state of absolute despair, bawling like she had the sea to give rather than the rain.

“Please! I beg of you! Find them… Waaaaaah!” She was latched onto one of the guards that was stationed near the area.

“Let go of me you crazy woman!” One of the guards respoded, shoving her away, onto the ground. She landed in a pitiful crying heap. Leoy’Shaah felt some sorrow for the woman, but Gretel matched the woman’s despair. The second guard towered over her and lowered his spear. “I am truly sorry for your children, Miss Mihuru, but there be no bringing them back… Not from those savages.”

In response, Mihuru knelt down and screamed.

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”

The guards stood there for a few minutes, then left. Leoy’Shaah watched this woman weep with sorrow of her own. However, the woman took notice of Gretel staring at her.

“Huh? Woman? Can you please help me?”

Gretel froze, trying to decide on a response. But the woman didn’t allow her this privilege, she crawled up her her and grabbed her knees. “My children were taken by the Unbon! Please, woman! You must be a veiled wife, of some sort of noble or merchant! All I ask isfor you the persuade your husband to shed light of it! Please!”

“What happened?” Gretel asked.

The woman wiped away her tears and stood up. “My name is Serunya, I have two boys and a girl that out hunting with my husband, Wohun. They have not returned in a day and with all the Unbon sightings in the past, I…” Serunya shuddered, “Y-you are a wife or a concubine at least… right?

“I am not. I simply wear this because I feel cold at times,” Gretel admitted, “However, you might take this to Quon, I think he would be as enraged as you over something like this.”

But Leoy’Shaah knew it to be a lie. Quon didn’t care about people, he casted Leoy’Shaah aside like she was an animal, and Zayno was killed for bringing light to such an issue in the first place.

Zayno… Remember what you're here for.

“I wish I could help you, but unfortunately, there is nothing I can do.” The woman stared at her with misery. “You must be a witch then! Please, if you are, curse them or bless us. See into their minds and play tricks upon them!” The people nearby began to look at Gretel. Gretel gave a sad smile, then removed the woman from her ankles.

“I am sorry, I have no idea as to the dangers that lurk beyond the gates.”

You do, and it is brutal. One more night and I would have been meat for the beasts.

“Perhaps you can find help with the hunters? They know the land better than others.”

They will not help you. And even if they did, what would they help with? Searching? You know they are likely already dead, but you don’t want to face it.

I am Gretel now.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

How strange…

Serunya crawled away at this, and curled up outside of a house, presumably hers. Leoy’Shaah saw she could do nothing more. This was a village of misery and sadness. And she knew not what she would do once she followed the silent calls of Zayno.

And so, Leoy’Shaah continued on her journey through town, making sure as to not cross paths with anyone that might recognize her.

No time to look for a better disguise, I must get to the top of the mountain, but which one?

She stopped at the pavilion. The tarps brought back painful memories, mostly of Wanu.

Look, Alexandra! They are having a festival of the yearly blessings! What would you like? I could buy anything for you my dear!

What a sweet smile she had. But flames did not discriminate.

“Oh hey! I haven’t seen you around this area before!”

Leoy’Shaah stiffened, but then Gretel relaxed. She recognized the voice: It was Nisha.

“This be a new landmark for I.”

“Ooooh… You are a Gypsy?”

Gretel hesitated, all lies were different iterations, no point in trying to tie a frayed rope. Gretel stuttered, “I-I am. My husband came to this town with me from a far away land.

Nisha frowned, “You wouldn’t happen to be from the shiners in the distant east, would you?”

“Haha, no. I am merely from a standalone caravan moving north. I spotted this mountain and convinced my husband to a take a rest here.

Nisha began to look uncomfortable.

“What be troubling you?” Gretel said thoughtfully?

“Oh, nothing,” Nisha scratched the back of his head. “I was unaware of how common travelers were… Here? I’m sorry if I come across as rude… but, we have certain rules here that may be different thant yours, to protect our village, we must pledge alliegence to our sacred ruler…”

Nisha pointed to the statue of Quon that laid in the center of the massive plateau. It showed a much younger, regal figure dressed in the finest of garments.

“Ah, I see.” Leoy’Shaah said, trying to sound suprised at something she already knew.

“As I said, It is crucial to pledge your life to him and God. It is a sacred tradition that must be followed, should you or should you not call this your home. When you set foot onto this holy soil, you must follow this commandment.” Gretel blinked, not sure exactly how to respond to this woman, but Leoy’Shaah did.

“I take it you are training to become a priestess?” Nisha took a step back in shock, “Yes. How did you know?”

“I am a fine guesser, I suppose,” Gretel smiled involuntarily, but she kept it.

Nisha raised an eyebrow, you wouldn’t happen to be a witch, now would you?”

Gretel chuckled, “That's the second time I was suspected as being such! Does this attire really suggest such a profession? Anyways, I should really get going now, there's something I need to get to–”

Nisha stepped in front of her, blocking Gretel from leaving. She had a serious expression on her face.

Damn it! What now?

I am afraid I can’t let you leave. Housing a sinner is as egregious as the sin of the sinner housed. Rejecting an invitation from Chief Quon is rejecting an invitation from the Lord himself!”

Leoy’Shaah grinded her teeth. No! Dammit, no!

Leoy’Shaah knew Nisha had always been incredilbly passionate about her services, but this was a bit much, even for her.

“So I won’t let you leave and curse us all,” Nisha insisted, “Please, go by your own volition, so I may not have to let the people know of your blasphemy.”

Leoy’Shaah curled her fists.

Haven't you prayed to me enough already? God asked. It’s really pathetic, how you get on your knees and say the things that you say.

“You said you were the strongest!” Shouted Quon. His voice hissed of old age, “Where is my youth? Gone! Where is my power? Diminishing! Where is my trust for you? Running– Urk!” The thing snapped its fingers and Quon lost his next breath, yet he still stood.

“My, are you a revolting little waste of flesh and blood? Far too old to eat, you are certainly right about being past your youth. But you will never stop being useful as a vessel to me.”

“You told me you were the only one!” Quon yelled. “You lied to me! There are more? Who do the Unbon pray to?”

“I shrug. You mean to tell me that you had not known the obvious? Of course there are others incubating in this world as well.”

“Hmmm… You say quite a lot about my lies to you, but you have only your gullibility to blame for that. As for your lies, do these people know the true nature of the man they follow?”

“Quon lowered his head… No, they can’t know…” He trailed off, but then was plagued with another question, “When you made me kill that Zayno boy… What was the purpose of that?” The entity laughed, but not a confident, malevolent laugh, but rather an uncertain and distressed one. “I shrug again. I did not force you to do anything, I simply whispered in your ear, and you went along and did it yourself.”

“But why would you ask me to kill him?” Quon asked.

The entity seemed to ponder for a moment. “Hmmm. I suppose I'll tell you the truth. One day, as I was overseeing the village, like always, I noticed that Zayno… Well, I couldn’t read him. He was transcended beyond my visibility. Only a cold husk of skin and bone identified him.”

“Oh, and what does that mean?”

“That meant I could not know what his true intentions were.”

“You are an incubating god,” Quon said, “Surely you must have a creator yourself?”

“Bah! You are stupid! You think that anything can create this? Nay, I was here when the dawn of the first light, and I will be here when the last sun sets, I am older than anything I surround myself with. My wisdom is infinite. You are but a blink in my eyes that I will soon forget. Make this last while you can, Quon. I will have forgotten you long before your bones become dust.”

He cackled, as Quon stood there, frozen with fear and not sure quite what to do.

“Ah, that reminds me. Did you kill that girl like I asked?”

“No, not by my own hand. However, I did allow her to exit the village unprotected. Should she come back, she will not be let back in.”

“Hmmm… What a coward. Does the idea of staining a blade with the blood of a defenseless woman disturb you, Quon? I might just make you slaughter children for my own amusement. Truly a remarkable animal you are. You killed Wanu… but the fire masked her body from your eyes.”

The god looked to the right.

“Hmmm, I can see the village right now, as clear as day. I see the Unbon have been giving them trouble, I will incubate a plan while you maintain order,” He floated past Quon, “And I have one last request: If you see that girl again, I want you to have her brutally executed. I want you to spill her blood. Not like that hag, Wanu, where you looked away and refused to face your own power, no. You shall do this should she come back and immediately when she comes back, understood?”

“Yes… My lord.”

Then, the entity disappeared.

“M’lord, all these years you never told me your name. What is it?” The entity laughed in response. My name? You’ve been calling me by my name this whole time!

“Well, what is it then?”

My name is… God.

Leoy’Shaah walked alongside Nisha, her worries growing.

“Are you sure he is not occupied? Where I come from, it is quite rude to bother someone in prayer.”

Nisha didn’t respond, which only made Gretel panic further. Maybe I could slip away? She thought. Yes, I see no other way, but I must choose the right time. Nisha turned a corner, entering an area with a large amount of people trading and chatting. They gave a few glances, but none made any trouble. That was, until they crossed Abeer.

Upon seeing Abeer, Leoy’Shaah slowed her pace to that of behind Nisha in hopes of using her as some sort of shield to Abeer’s observance. She had no such luck. She was a sharp-eyed one, that woman Abeer.

Unfortunately, Abeer noticed them, mainly Nisha.

“Oh hello again Nisha! Say, have you ran the errands yet?” She asked with a smile, and without giving Nisha a chance to answer: “Who’s this you’re with? A new traveler?”

“Yes- I mean no, I have not completed today's errands yet.”

“And where is my child? You left him at home?” Seeming mildly horrified, which was an expression that somehow existed.

“Yes, I have. He is fine, I left him with my husband and sister.”

“Oh, I guess I won’t be paying you then,” Abeer said.

“There was payment involved? I was unaware. I thank you for reminding me, as my husband has barely managed to feed and house us, what a remarkable man he is!”

Leoy’Shaah saw Nisha twitch. Perhaps in envy.

Gretel cracked a smile.

Abeer shot a death glare at Gretel. “And who is this? Another traveler? As if we need any more mouths to feed during this time!”

Like you do any work around here! But Leoy’Shaah wasn’t one to talk, she also had contributed very little to the community.

I was rejected, you’re simply lazy.

“This is Gretel,” Nisha motioned to Gretel, “She is from the far south, and she had made quite a journey to get here.”

Gretel waved and said nothing. Leoy’Shaah was still sweating like a naked pig. Abeer looked at Gretel with some respect and suspicion. Better than pity and disgust, thought Leoy’Shaah. Leoy’Shaah also noticed she was beginning to share some traits with Gretel. She put that out of her mind.

“I assume you’re taking her to meet my husband,” Abeer said proudly, “If so, I hope you tell him how you neglected my child.” Then Abeer walked off and blended with the crowd.

Nisha sighed, “I do not like her. I see why Quon does not make love to her. It must be more pleasant to make love to a cactus.” Nisha smiled at Gretel.

Gretel smiled back.

After a bit more walking, Leoy’Shaah caught something in the corner of her eyes. A figure, tall and with pale skin. It was Zayno. But Leoy’Shaah could tell it was a non-human form of him, as he seemed like just an outline in the world, like he didn’t fit in. Leoy’Shaah could do nothing but stifle a gasp. He was in the dead center of the crowd that had collected in the square. No one paid him any mind, like he was invisible.

Only you can see me Leoy’Shaah. Do not worry about them… However, I sense a presence here that I can only describe to you as… Negative. Remember our promise. He turned and gazed up. Leoy’Shaah followed his gaze, but it landed not on the mountain she expected, the village's mountain, but a mountain not far to the northwest.

A mountain with a flat plateau.

“What are you looking at?” Nisha interrupted.

“Ah! Oh, I umm… I-I w-was looking at the glorious mountain range there is here.”

“Yes! It is quite beautiful. The mountain range protects us from the far east. Where cruel badlands lie. That is why we must worship God and his prophet, Quon. He has kept us safe for many generations. You must understand.” Gretel nodded, turning back to where Zayno had been. He was no longer there. “I do,” Leoy’Shaah said, then she stuck out her leg to Nisha, causing her to stumble and fall, then she ran into the crowd and disappeared.

The sun was beginning to set already, she had to make it, or else she would never know what Zayno was going to tell her. She could see nothing but black uncertainty that awaited her with Zayno. Would it be death? Life? Would she start anew? What horrors lied in the words of Zayno’s tongue?

Not the split peaks… No, the flat one.

But Zayno had claimed Dethroned mountain to be the tallest, even though Rival Peaks were the tallest. That didn't make any sense.

Off to Dethroned mountain I go!

Leoy’Shaah headed in the direction of the mountain.

She walked quickly, then began to run when she saw less people. The fabrics that held the very essence of Gretel lashed ferociously in the wind that came to meet her. She could swear she saw an outline of someone every so often, a face.

He’s following me.

Whatever thing Zayno was, he was certainly not evil, at least, not that Leoy’Shaah knew of. There was once a man by the name of Hamud who had been a menace, stealing, killing, and causing destruction. And he was believed to be a vessel for a demon. According to the scrolls, demons were tricky, but were not patient. But Leoy’Shaah couldn't think of anything else he could be besides a spirit.

She eventually got to the base of the mountain, well, not really the base, but the area where it met the elevation she already stood upon. From there, one could see the beaches of the coast. Then, she began her ascension.

Purple and red-orange skies notified her of the sunset as she trekked around the mountain like a spiral. She would see it briefly, then it would disappear once again.

Huffing, she took a break her the side. Many stairs had been placed long ago to make the trip to the top easier, however, it was said in the scrolls that Quon’s ancestors annihilated the peak to prove his strength and connection to God.

As one could imagine, such a gigantic amount of destruction impacted the stairs as well, chipping off huge chunks necessary for convenient climbing.

It was upon reaching one of these ruined parts that Leoy’Shaah took her break. She held onto her disguise tight, no longer to hide her identity, but to hide from the cold.

The sky was getting progressively blacker. And white, yellow, and red dots sparkled. Leoy’Shaah saw these dots, and was promptly hit with nostalgia. She was meeting her friend one last time. Perhaps he was, in fact, inviting her to look at the stars once more, by his side.

Ah… He is a lingering spirit, looking for one last goodbye.

Leoy’Shaah rose once more and stared at the gap in the stairs. It was covered with snow and fog made it impossible to see the bottom. She would die should she make a mistake here.

Just jump, trust me…

That was Zayno’s voice. Leoy’Shaah hesitated, but found herself preparing to jump to the other side. She trusted him beyond anything, even if he wasn’t who she thought he was.

“Here I go!”

She ran and then leapt across the gap with all of the strength in her legs, she landed safe and sound on the other side. She caught her breath and stared back. The gap didn’t feel so big now, but it had been dangerous nonetheless.

She continued upwards, as did the temperature lower. Leoy’Shaah came across more of these gaps and did the same, with some motivational words from Zayno’s voice, but eventually, she began doing it on her own. Before she knew it, she was at the top.

By now, her teeth were chattering, and she stood atop the round plateau that had once been almost half of the whole mountain. Decimated long ago, by a higher power.

Leoy’Shaah inspected all the rocks, nooks, and crannies that made up the surface of such a magnificent, yet flat peak. She found no signs of Zayno. By now, it was also very dark. The tri-moons had come up and were lighting the sky, but not only that, but the stars were ever-present on this night especially.

And Leoy’Shaah could no longer resist the urge to start at them in utter awe. What made the heavens truly remarkable, was the sheer scale of it. Beauty was truly immeasurable.

“Magnificent, isn’t it?” A voice asked. Leoy’Shaah turned to find Zayno standing- no, sitting on a rock a couple of feet away. “That's what I like about it, you can see it from anywhere… At least, you used to… I should have known it would only be a matter of time… Haaaah.”

“Z-Zayno… There you are. What in this world be the reason you brought me here?”

“I brought you nowhere,” Urged Zayno, “You did not have to obey my instructions, yet you did.”

“I followed your directions because I trusted you,” Leoy’Shaah, said with a little more venom that she would have liked, “What is the meaning of this anyways? What are you?”

Zayno was silent. He seemed to swallow, but Leoy’Shaah woulndn’t have been able to hear over the breeze.

“A-answer me, or I’ll… I'll…” She looked at the edge of the mountain.

“If you don’t tell me everything you're hiding from me right now… I’ll jump off this ledge and kill myself.”

Zayno’s head snapped away from the stars in partial disbelief, but Leoy’Shaah suspected that he knew she would say that somehow.

“I will tell you. Please step away from that ledge, Leoy’Shaah, I mean you no harm.”

Damn! Why must your word be like a comforting lullaby?

Leoy’Shaah retreated back to the center. She slapped her arms to her sides. “I’m waiting.”

“I am God,” Zayno stated simply.

Leoy”Shaah stared at him, “What did you say?”

I am God. I am the heavenly overseer. I am the man your leader seems to have confused with some other entities… Yes, I am God, by the very definition.”

“N-no… You’re… What?”

Zayno slumped his shoulders, “I know you don’t believe me,

“Hahaha! Oh! I get it now! This is another nightmare isn’t it!?”

“Leoy’Shaah…?”

“Heh. I thought so. Everyone probably saw through my disguise too! What a waste! My whole life is ruined. And all thanks to you.”

“Leoy’Shaah…”

Zayno moved forward with blinding speed, or perhaps he teleported, but this no longer fazed Leoy’Shaah. Still, Zayno aimed for her arm, but she simply slapped his hand away.

“Leoy’Shaah, I know what you’re thinking. Don’t do it.”

“Shut up and get out of my head,” She said apathetically, “If you were truly god, would you have let all this happen? Would you have let me suffer?” She shook her head, “You pretended to be my friend for almost twenty years and I loved you! You watched my life crumble apart- You’re probably the one that has been giving me those nightmares too! You’re a demon!

“I hope I wake up from this hell!”

And if this happens to be real… I don't care anymore.

Leoy’Shaah could take it no longer. She sprinted towards the cliff.

“Leoy’Shaaaaaaaah!”

Then she plummeted. This was a new experience. Falling… for what seemed like forever, until the end.

Suddenly, she felt warm arms around her. She knew it to be Zayno.

Leoy’Shaah, I will never let any harm come to you ever again… Just give me a chance to explain myself, and it will all make sense…

Suddenly, she felt immense warmth radiate through her body, and light erupted in every corner of her vision. The falling began to slow… Until she found herself standing on solid ground again. When the light faded, she was back on the peak of the mountain. She turned around in disbelief.

“Zayno! You–”

Zayno’s body was glowing and steaming. His clothes smoked as well. Eventually, his aura dimmed and he confronted Leoy’Shaah.

“I know,” he said calmly, but also with a bit of worry and sadness in his voice. “It hurts me to see you in harm, but there is little I can do.”

“Why not?” Leoy’Shaah asked again, with no anger this time, only curiosity.

“Those nightmares you had as a child were no nightmares… They were visions, Leoy’Shaah. The world will end soon… In a couple thousand years. The black sky in your nightmares, its real and it will soon devour this entire world. But that is not even the worst of it. What stories have you heard about the sky?”

Leoy’Shaah shuddered from the information. It hit her harder than any physical injury had. “Are you telling me… That the world will end?”

Zayno looked at her and sighed. You were cursed… As they say. Your people worship a god, not God but a god. Quon is but a puppet to this god. And you have the ability to see gods, demons, and other evil that would otherwise be invisible. These people are controlled by Quon.

“B-but, there is only one God!”

I thought so too. But the universe is absurd, and its rules constantly change, which brings me to the cycle.

Suddenly, Zayno stuck his hand upward. And the stars in the sky began to blur. They stretched infinitely into long glowing lines, almost making Leoy’Shaah dizzy.

“Your people have been told that your sun and moons revolve around your world, and not only that, but your world is a flat plane. That is mostly false. Your world is round, like every other world–”

“There are other worlds?!” Leoy’Shaah exclaimed.

“...Yes. There are other worlds of different shapes and sizes, most barren dead rocks floating aimlessly, but some hold life like this world.”

“The universe is in a constant cycle, one only I have bore witness to and lived to tell the tale. I have no clue as to how things started, or how long this cycle has been going on for, but I have seen a cycle happen. The universe is designed to end. It will contract rapidly at its death and collapse into an infinite point. It will become a magic well.”

“A well?”

"A magic well is a point where all rules are changed and morphed into something random entirely, pocket dimensions of their own. I use them to travel where I want, but they do not tear… most of the time. However, when a point becomes massive enough. Everything inside changes. Rules, laws. Things that are so normal you would simply not be able to comprehend what the previous cycle looked like. I grew accustomed to these rules."