The din of an angry crowd, the various insults and curses merging into one due to the distance, could be faintly heard through the small, slit-like window at the corner of a tiny room. The only discernible feature excluding the bed, a man and a ticking wall clock was a flat-screen embedded into one of the walls.

"Today, the infamous criminal John Anwar, is due to be banished to the Voidlands following a stunning intervention by the Holy Temple. It has is rumoured that the Holy Maiden, Eos herself, made the plea to the High Court of Lucifer which ended up with the death sentence set earlier this week being revoked at the last minute."

On the small, 24inch crystal screen, a man with black hair and deep sea-blue eyes descended steep steps of what appeared to be a courthouse. He was extremely tall and well built, each step easygoing yet full of power. The man's black, military-style uniform with silver buttons and a first-shaped badge on his chest containing the words 'Regent Corporation' underneath gave him an imposing bearing.

What appeared like to be bodyguards in black suits flanked each side. While it was clear the men were keeping the reporters away as much as ensuring the man didn't escape, they held a respectful distance, their eyes showing trace amounts of fear and respect. The date stamp at the bottom of the screen indicated that it had been taken a little under four years ago.

The man in question, sitting on the narrow bed bolted to the wall of an otherwise barren cell in an orange prison jumpsuit, snorted while folding his arms. As the female reporter's voice continued, he couldn't help but feel irritated by the farce.

"It was four years ago, the former lieutenant general, John Anwar was arrested for the crime of High Treason. After multiple appeals, it looked like his fate-."

John waved his hand, sending out a small amount of essence from his ten layered core, and the image on the screen changed. The same symbol of the badge that had been on his chest floated on a black background and rotated as a calm, deep voice spoke. "Regent Corporation. Making all worlds a better place."

After swiping his hand again, a little more forcefully, the image changed to what appeared to be a chat show. An attractive young female in green robes and an older, slightly greying man in what appeared to be decorative leather armour were talking to pannel of various individuals.

Seeing his image on the screen behind them, his pale skin, sharp features and striking blue eyes that gave off a feeling of mysteriousness, John sighed. "The whole realm has gone mad. You would think they had more important things to focus on."

"All I am saying is that we are playing with fire and eventually, we are going to get burned." A plump, bald man slapped his hand on the table as he spoke. "While we have captured most of the rouge gods, not only do a few remain at large posing a great risk but we treat those imprisoned in a way that surely will come back to bite us."

A thin man on the panel nodded his head in approval while the others seemed to want to disagree.

"We keep them in solitude, completely restrained and separated from reality while draining their essence and divinity in such a humiliating manner." The double chin of the man wobbled as he became more and more impassioned. "As everyone knows, unless we destroy their divinity and domains, those who have transcended into gods cannot be killed. If we keep pushing them to the brink, it's only a matter of time until they come together and rebel. Who knows how many realms will remain after a second Immortality War?"

"Don't you think that is a little extreme?" The pretty hostess leaned forward. "After Godsfall, nearly every greater and major God was destroyed or incarcerated. Only the neutral and lesser gods remain free, and we mortals have entered an age of prosperity."

There was a sparse amount of clapping in the background as she continued. "In the two thousand years since the war ended, Lucifer and the holy seven have kept the peace and ensured that the remaining gods live a humble existence as mortals."

The man looked between the two hosts while revealing a small frown. After a few seconds, he breathed out slowly. "Regardless, John Anwar did the right thing. Luner, the ninth lesser Goddess of the moon, has always been neutral and posed no threat. To imprison her and subject her to the same fate as the old gods would have sent a message to the others in hiding that there will be no compromise. If we continue, we are going to force them into the corner in which they have no choice but to fight."

"And that's without the disturbing truth that the might of the Eight has fallen. Cracks have appeared in their Alliance. The intervention of the..."

The image of a terrified, thin woman, bathed in moonlight, appeared in Johns mind. Around her, a shack of a house lay in ruins. Men and women in black ballistic armour that covered every part of their bodies, the eye sockets of their helmets glowing with silver light, surrounded her while pointing what appeared to be guns. Strange red runes glowed along the sides of the weapons and cast an intimidating hue on the nearby wooden walls.

The event happened a few days after his daughter had been born. After seeing the woman cower without any resistance, John remembered the intense pity he felt as a fire burned in his stomach. There was something about her that attracted him, and on a whim, he had called off his men and let the goddess escape.

As he was the acting officer, no one questioned his decision on site, but it wasn't long after that the law enforcement hall of the Regent Corporation had come and arrested him. Luna was also quickly captured and sent to God's end, a dimension artificially created to restrain the gods of old. While he regretted his actions, John still hoped that she was OK.

"Nonsense." A young woman with a blond bob cut spoke up. "The gods oppressed mortals for so long. Sucking away energy and treating us as nothing more than cattle. They even shattered four realms, killing untold billions and crippling life energy everywhere. And it wasn't done to win the war, but out of spite. Even now, without the rich essence that was our birthright, we mortals are nothing but shadows of our former selves. It's rare for our children to reach the Gem rank, let alone Diamond or higher. Luckily the beasts, demons and monsters suffered equally."

Just as the hostess was about to speak, the woman continued. "However, without technology and protection of the Eight, we would have become extinct from the threats that continually strive to end our rule. What John Anwar did was a betrayal to the higher species across all realms and dimensions."

"Whether that Goddess was a threat or not wasn't a decision he should have made. In fact, by allowing gods to continue to exist in our worlds just shows how generous Lucifer and the seven heroes genuinely are."

"You paint all gods with the same brush. Not all-."

Another man tried to speak up, but the woman talked over him without sparing a glance. "Do not forget that the gods planned the end of all things."

The woman slammed her hand on the table as if mocking the first man for his earlier action. "They wanted to kill us all, for what? So that they could enhance their power and chase after this mysterious 'creator'. When faced with extinction, did our forefathers lay down and submit? No. Brave mortals like Lucifer stood against the heavens, and we won. They had their chance, and luckily, we stopped them or else none of us would be here. The sooner everyone understands that, and we cleanse the remaining gods from our worlds, the better."

Thunderous applause erupted alongside a few cheers as the young woman smiled and visibly relaxed. As she did, she turned to the audience. "Even now, powerful gods like Satan, Ishtar, Loki and Sekhmet run free because the Eight are stretched too thin protecting us without getting the support they deserve. Instead of debating mundane matters, we should be focusing on eradicating the threat once and for all before whatever those evil beings are plotting comes to fruition."

The smile vanished from her face as she took on a solemn appearance. "And that isn't even including the menace the void and its denizens pose. Thousands of lives each year are lost trying to seal the voidlands. If we-."

"I think we are getting a little off track here." The plump man clapped his hands, but as he was about to proceed, the woman once again interrupted as she waved him away.

"You are right. But it only furthers the point that John Anwar is a Traitor. Not only that, the fact that the Holy Temple has intervened and stopped his public execution is just another sign of insubordination from them."

The older host coughed and smiled acerbically. "Miss Holly, may I remind you that the Holy Temple has not officially split from the Eight. After all, can we blame them for retreating to a private dimension and looking after their own? They have also suffered losses in the battle against the gods and the void."

While it initially sounded like he was trying to silence the woman and stand up for the Temple, the man's words caused a murmur of angry whispers in the crowd.

"Oh," Holly glanced at the audience before laughing and mockingly shaking her head. "You're right. I guess we shouldn't talk about topics like the rumour that John Anwar is a descendant of Eos? Or that Eos herself intervened and managed to get the traitor out of the execution he deserves? Protecting their interests while ignoring the struggle of hard-working mortals that fight and die for liberty and freedom. It seems the Holy Maiden has fallen low since the battle of the Second Realm."

"Preposterous." The thin man who had been silent the entire time spoke up. "Do not slander the Holy Temple. While John Anwar carries the same surname as Eos' descendants, it's not exactly uncommon. And look at his physical traits: black hair, blue eyes and pale skin. Instead of accusing him of being of Eos' bloodline, I'd say it's more likely he ancestry derives from a void beast or maybe even a lord. That or he has been a subject of experimentation by the Regent Corporation's bioengineering department. We have all heard the rumours that they are determined to harness the power of the void, something that even the old gods were terrified of."

Unlike earlier, Holly seemed to wait for the man to continue, the corner of her lips upturned.

"If you ask me, John's actions might have more sinister intentions. For example, causing strife amongst the Eight and empowering the rebel gods. All so he can buy some much-needed breathing room for the Void Lords and their minions to gather and break through the blockade. That way-"

In the blink of an eye, John's fist had smashed the screen and caused large cracks to appear in the wall.

"Fucking morons." John's voice was deep and booming. "Can't tell their arse from their elbow. For thirty years, I bled for those damn hypocrites and for what? The moment they get the chance they throw me under the bus."

"That's just how mundanes are John."

John span as his hands shot out in front as he formed a defensive pose. However, upon seeing who it was, his muscles relaxed, and a smile appeared on his face.

A blond man, his sharp features strikingly similar to John, smiled warmly. He was wearing a white robe with the emblem of two golden wings attached to the hilt of a fiery sword. Behind him, a small portal that displayed a brightly lit room slowly closed before disappearing.

"Brother." John walked over before hugging the man. "Any luck?"

The smile that hung on the man's face cramped. After seemingly searching for the right words, he shook his head. "I... No. Well, I'm not sure. All I can say is it shouldn't be as hopeless as it seems."

John let go of his brother and stepped back, his fading smile matching his brother's. "Alex, what do you mean?"

Alex shrugged his shoulders apologetically. "Great Grandmother... is in one of her strange moods. Everything she says is cryptic and makes little to no sense."

John closed his eyes for a moment. "So... after all this, I am to die in the voidlands? Why not just let them execute me and get it over with?"

"I don't think its that bad." Alex quickly interjected. "While she said she had done everything in her power and the rest is down to your luck, fate and willpower, her expression was positive. She even had that little smile she shows when she's planning something. I think Great Grandmother has a plan."

"Ha." John's body caused the single bed to sink as he sat down. "I use to be a lieutenant-General of Regent Corp. I know more than most what is going on inside the voidlands. The only reason we send the condemned there is so they can feed the void beasts and increase the chances of void-cores appearing during the next purge. It's true hell. And that's if you get caught by the less intelligent void beasts and devoured. If Sillithias finds you and has nothing better to do..."

John's shoulders slumped. "The statics the public know, the losses after each expedition, they are fabricated. We lose a hell of a lot more men and machines. How am I, on my own, meant to survive there? I might as well smother myself in seasonings."

Alex closed his eyes a second. After opening them, his faintly golden pupils seemed to shine for a moment as he pulled a necklace from his pocket. On the end of a dull chain, a yellow gem glittered as silver runes floated across its surface. "She also gave me this."

Taking it, John frowned. "This? Surely she doesn't think a trinket will save me? Not unless its a teleportation stone."

"Its a barrier key. Great Grandmother said that if you find the place in which it opens, your chances will increase." Alex shook his head, indicating that he didn't know as well. "Oh, this as well."

Just as John was about to open the envelope passed to him, the same symbol printed upon it as the one on Alex's robes, Alex stopped him. "That's not for you."

"Huh?" John's right eyebrow twitched. "OK, out with whatever nonsense the old bat said. I'm not in the mood for her games. Not today."

Seeing the shocked look on Alex's face, a small smile returned to John's. "It's not like its likely to see her again in this lifetime. What is she going to do? Hunt down my soul after I reincarnate?"

"You know she sees and hears everything when you don't want her too." Alex chuckled as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Anyway, she said, there is a reason why the firstborn of every generation have dark characteristics. If fate is on your side, and you find her, give her this letter. It should save your life. Also, do not use any soul abilities in the voidlands."

"Ha, I'm not stupid. Even if I am fated to die, I don't feel like ringing the dinner bell myself. And who's her?" John tried to open the letter, but as he applied force, it started to glow. After his fingers became numb, he quickly gave up and looked at his brother.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"No idea who she was talking about." Alex patted John's shoulder as the letter was tucked away inside the jumpsuit. "But Great Grandmother was very clear on this. Even in the face of death, unless you find her, you cannot use any soul abilities at all. Not even to scan your surroundings. Not unless you want to come face to face with any of the active Void Lords."

"Void Lords?" John blinked. "Why would they be interested in me? And how the hell am I meant to know who the person is?"

Alex shook his head and shrugged again "Lucifer knows. I was confused as well, and our mother wasn't any better. She hasn't spoken to Great Grandmother since. All I know is that if luck is on your side, she will find you. If not, you have to find her. I pestered Great Grandmother for days after this, but she didn't reveal anything else."

John sighed. "Forgot time in that dimension is several times faster than here."

"Ow well, I guess to worry about that I first have to avoid becoming a void beast's snack." Shaking his head, John glanced at the clock on the wall. "Is El-"

"She's here with him." The air around Alex seemed to ripple and warp as a small amount of light essence leaked from his body. At the same time, his fists released little popping noises.

Seeing his brother's actions, John changed the subject. However, it was evident in the tone of his voice that he was nervous. "The kids?"

"With mother. While she still can't bear the sight of Bruce and Elisa, she's like a protective hen with Mike and Jenna." Alex's demeanour warmed, and the frightening momentum gathering around him dispersed. "We all are. Don't worry John. No matter what happens, we will keep them safe. Even Great Grandmother is spending a fair bit of time with them and helping with their cultivation. She was the one who stopped them from coming. Said you needed to focus on your mission."

"My mission?" John rubbed his forehead. "Great, she's trying to scheme again."

"Does it matter? It gives you some hope, and the kids are too young to know what's going on. It will only upset them. They shouldn't be here."

"Your right. Good. Good." John repeated himself in a distracted tone as he looked up at the wall, seemingly sensing something. "There's no other way out of this? To escape death, I have to march through hell?"

A portal suddenly appeared behind Alex as his face slightly distorted and his eyes turned red. After clutching his fists, he took a deep breath. There was a glossy sheen over his eyes. "There is no other way. Not unless we declare war on Lucifer and the other Six. He's been looking for an excuse to make an example of us ever since we failed to retake the Citadel for the third time. And if we did, it would be a massacre."

John sneered. "Probably needs someone powerful to fall to regain some prestige? How did that man ever become the saviour of mortals and lord of the five realms?"

Alex breathed out noisily. "He's not that bad. He united the higher races and stopped us from being turned into dust."

"Did he?" John chuckled mirthlessly. "That's what the history books say but remember the saying 'History is written by the victor'?"

"You are starting to sound like our Great Grandmother." The pair chuckled for a moment before falling into their thoughts.

After a minute of silence, John lifted his head and locked eyes with Alex. "Look after them."

"I'll treat them as if they were my own." Alex nodded, the redness of his eyes increasing.

"Not just the kids, Elisa and Brian."

"After what they have done?" Alex's head jerked back a few centimetres as he blinked in confusion.

"You can't help who you fall in love with." John sighed again and quickly pushed the image of Luna out of his thoughts. While he still felt pretty bitter about the betrail, as well as the hidden fact that his son had been conceived after his arrest, he had come to accept that it didn't matter.

Faced with near-certain death, John felt content that he wasn't leaving his loved ones in the lurch and a somewhat reliable father figure had stepped in. He had also discovered who had been secretly financing his defence and the three appeals which helped soften his view.

"Even though he is too embarrassed to help me publically, I know its been him working in the shadows to get me a lighter sentence. And Elisa, well. She deserves someone better. Someone who will be around instead of working in the shadows for that damn corporation. The blood that stains these hands..."

"Maybe this is karma?"

"John..." Alex wanted to comfort John. However, he seemed hesitant.

John shook his head as he lazily waved away his brothers pity and concern. "If I survive this..."

As he spoke, a square of red light appeared on the wall. It was in the shape of a door.

"Stand back." A metallic voice rang out in the small room.

"Revenge, vengeance and retribution. To those who wrong you, they will suffer three times as much." A sad smile was on Alex's face. "If the time comes brother, I shall stand with you. Even if it's against our own family. If there weren't so many that would be affected, Id-"

"I know." John bent his head as his voice became nothing but a whisper. "And try to forgive him. When I'm gone, he's the only brother you will have left."

"Yes... Brother." Alex's figure vanished along with the portal, but not before John had seen the tears that had started to fall. It wasn't long after that the square illuminated by red light flashed and blinded him.

When John could see again, two guards in body armour stood on each side of a thin man in slim-fitting robes. A few wisps of white hair combed over his balding head.

"Mr Anwar, it's time."

"Warden." John slowly stood up and looked around the room. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, John calmed his emotions.

As he had done countless times before, typically when preparing to step into a battlefield, he repressed his thoughts and feelings as a cold, tingling sensation crawled up his spine.

Upon opening his eyes, his face became emotionless as his gaze locked onto the three before him. The trio felt their heart rates increase as a faint sensation, that it was getting harder to breathe, descended upon them.

"The Ice General." Seeing the look at the men's faces, John inwardly chuckled as he felt the ice energy which he had such a high affinity with circulating rapidly. "Who would have guessed I would fall due to a pretty, little moon goddess. Father was right. Birds die for food, mundanes for riches and men for beauties."

Without waiting, John strode out from the room and turned left. The guards and warden, who had stepped back, quickly started to follow as he marched down the white corridor as if he was leading them.

The corridors walls were barren or any markings, and the extended light strips on the ceiling made it appear to be more of an endless tunnel than a prison.

After passing a few security checkpoints, John walked passed a plain wooden door. Just as he did, the warden called out. "Mr Anwar, your younger brother and wife are waiting-."

"Sorry, I have a dinner date with the devil, and I'd hate to be late. I'll see them when I get back." John's deep, booming voice echoed down the corridor, and the sound of a chair screeching on the floor could be heard behind the door.

"But-" The warden's words drifted as he watched the broad shoulders of John marching forward. The heavy sound of his footsteps as well as the essence faintly circulating towards him, making it seem as if he was preparing for war.

The door handle tried to turn, but because of the security locks, it did not open. After glancing at the door quickly, the warden sighed and quickly caught up to John. Behind him, he could hear a woman calling out John's name and dull thuds hitting the door.

The group continued to walk in silence until they reached colossal metal double doors. On each side stood two guards. They dressed in the same equipment that John had previously worn on missions. The Regent Corporation logo on the right side of their chest armour.

The warden spoke up from behind. "This is as far as we go. Good Luck, Mr Anwar. May Lucifer's mercy guide your way to the higher realms."

Ignoring him, John was just about to step forward as the guard on the right raised his right hand and saluted. "Sir."

After John had stopped, the guard pulled a small bag, looking more like a coin purse, from behind and held it out. The other guard, though his face was hidden, seemed to be staring upwards at the ceiling.

John took the spacial pouch and quickly tucked it into his orange prison jumpsuit. As he did, he used his essence to check the contents of the bag.

There was a small essence sword, a couple of defensive talismans as well as four refined beast cores. However, they were all ignored when he discovered the small locket. While only processing sentimental value, he felt a huge weight lift off him as he received the keepsake that held the pictures of his two children. It had been taken from him as he was lead to the execution square, just before he received his last-second reprieve.

"Happy Hunting, Sir."

John looked at the guard for a few seconds before nodding his head and stepping forward.

The double doors opened with an earsplitting groan and the sound of hushed conversation instantly silenced. Seconds later, an eruption of flashes caused John to squint as he continued walking forward to the centre of the room.

John passed the section in which those that appeared to be reporters stood and stopped in the centre of the white, circular room. A couple of meters before him was a tall pedestal-like stand in which a judge-like figure sat. On each side were groups of people. Some dressed in luxurious clothes while others appeared to be from the military. The only common trait between them was the glares of hostility and hatred they sent at him.

Waiting for the flashes to subside, the judge looked down at John and spoke with a clear, if slightly overbearing, voice. "John, Anwar. You have been convicted of High Treason and sentenced to death. Due to a plea by the Holy Temple, your punishment has changed to eternal banishment in the voidlands. Do you have anything to say before we carry out your sentence?"

John was about to reply when he saw two people enter through a side door. One was a stunningly beautiful woman with red hair. The other was a young blond man who looked like a younger version of Alex. The woman's eyes were red and puffy while the man weakly glared at Alex. By the bags under his eyes, it was clear he hadn't slept well in a long time.

"Well?"

Ignoring the judge and woman with red hair, John nodded to his brother. "Treasure what you have, brother, for the world is full of snakes and vermin."

A few of the reporters frowned while others started to scribble down notes furiously. Most thought what John had said was a threat, but the young man's reactions displayed a contrasting view. His eyes reddened as he nodded his head once. His mouth opened and closed for a few times before mouthing a silent 'I will'.

The judge coughed loudly, causing John's head to turn in his direction. "John Anwar, you have held this holy court in contempt during the-"

"We all know how this ends, so get on with it. I don't have time to waste inflating your ego." John's glare caused the judge to swallow hard, but moments later, a vein throbbed on his forehead.

"Very well," straightening his back, a red tinge marred the judge's cheeks as his eyes narrowed into slits.

"John Anwar, Your punishment will be carried out immediately. May Lucifer have mercy upon your soul."

The second the judge had finished speaking, strange patterns and runes started to glow beneath John's feet. While the various colours greatly contrasted against the white room, they seemed to fit it perfectly.

As the lights grew in intensity, John smirked at the judge before turning around and facing the reporters behind him. Disregarding the sobs of his wife, only feeling a tinge of regret of ignoring her during what should be their last meeting, he took a deep breath.

Although he could already sense space warping the outer edges of his body, John felt an urge to lash out one last time bubble from the depths of his soul. He felt the need to put fear and doubt into his enemies hearts, and even though he held little hope for survival, he wanted the memory of him to keep them awake at night.

Just as his figure was becoming blurry, John lowered his head slightly and glared into the crystal-like devices he knew to be cameras. As he did, he smiled.

It wasn't a friendly, sad or bitter smile, but one that was twisted and formed a savage, somewhat terrifying grin.

Seeing the shocked looks on the report's faces, John felt a little bit better as he thought of what to say. While watching their reactions, feeling like a cat staring at a bunch of mice, a line he had once read in a history book rose to the surface. The phrase was something of a taboo. But as where they were sending him to the void, John felt almost as if it had been created for this occasion.

He would have never had the audacity to use the phrase before, but now John felt as if he had nothing to lose. The fanatics of the Eight wouldn't be able to get him, and it didn't help that he felt pissed off about the rumours people had been spreading. Especially the ones like the thin man on the talk show. The malicious side of John also wanted to leave some lingering heart demons in any that benefited from his predicament.

After changing the wording slightly and adding two sentences, his smile became more ferocious.

"To the abyss, you cast me, from the abyss, I shall return. I shall have my vengeance. In this life, or the next."

The moment John stopped speaking, his voice echoing in the circular room, the desire to kill all of those before him exploded forth as he tried to channel his killing intent. He didn't know of any abilities or skills that could do it, but his essence moved on instinct.

From what he could see from the crowd's expressions, it appeared to be working. It was then that his figure vanished in blinding light, the various colours flickering about and forming a dazzling display. The moment they faded, those standing in silence were left staring at a vacant spot as they felt a chill even though the room was relatively warm.

====

In a palace far away, inside a room bathed in bright white light, Eos swiped her hand as the image of the place John had just vanished from faded. Because she was watching from a screen, she couldn't feel the soul intent projected from John moments before he disappeared, but the grin on his face and his blue eyes caused memories to bubble up from a distant past.

She seemingly had not aged a day since Nyx had last seen her on Lucifer's screen, but the ferociousness Eos previously radiated had waned. In its place, Eos' golden eyes seemed to reveal a tired, almost disinterested look. To those who didn't know her, it was if a mighty empress was looking at an ant farm. While the movements might attract her attention, it would only receive a cursory glance.

After taking a deep breath, her long blond hair falling against the loose white robe she wore, Eos turned and floated towards the wall on the opposite side while talking to herself. "How did the earthlings of old say it? The apple does not fall far from the tree? It seems, with each generation, they are becoming more and more like her."

"Is it the influence of her soul now the restrictions have dissolved? Or is it evolution at play? Were we destined to have Goddess of the Void no matter what?" Eos stopped floating, and her soft, slightly-bronzed feet touched the fluffy white carpet below. Before her, carved onto an ivory-like wall, was what appeared to be a family tree.

Touching one of the portraits, of a black-haired man who looked to be in his fifties, Eos sighed. Connected by a horizontal node was her picture as well as her name underneath. Below them were two generations before spreading to three portraits. Alex, John and Bruce. Below John and the red-headed lady, John's wife, were two names but no pictures. "Who would have thought, eight millennia ago, that our bloodlines would one day merge."

Eos chuckled lightly. "Ahh, I wonder. If relations travelled that far what would I be to you?"

Eos' gaze slowly rose, taking the left branch of the tree. She analysed each node, though some lacked portraits or names. After reaching the eighth layer from the bottom, nearly none of the nodes had pictures. However, there were still many names. "Who would have thought your descendants would survive Godsfall, the merging of dimensions and even travelled to our world."

Eos continued to speak as if she were directly communicating with a person beside her. As she did, her gaze flickered through the various portraits. The higher they were in the tree, the less of the distinctive traits of black hair and blue eyes appeared. At the last node that had a picture, a woman with mousey brown hair and green eyes stared back. However, the tree continued upwards for several more generations before a single node stood alone.

Eos stared at the blank node for a while before sighing. "The seals and formations should have already fallen. The Void Lords have taken over the Citidel and forced the combined might of the Eight hero's back again and again. Yet you still haven't appeared. Why? Are you waiting for something? Discovered a new life? Given up?"

"Was what Goddess said true? Do you think she's dead? Do you even care that Lucifer still lives?"

Eos frowned as she returned her gaze to the portrait she had been touching. "Initially, when I discovered their existence, I planned to wipe them out but... I couldn't. Even though we fought like cat and dog, I felt complete with him. Enough to ignore the scent of your soul and even those distinctive traits of yours."

"My Lady." A voice echoed in Eos mind, breaking her from her thoughts. "Lord Lucifer demands your presence at the high table. It appears Baros has re-formed and is patrolling the outskirts of the ruins of Corban, Twilight mountain and the Citadel of Light. Though it is decades too early, there are fears that the Sillithias and Akarhia will also appear soon and the Void Lords will attempt to join forces and break through the blockade."

Eos's hand fell as the frown on her face grew, but she didn't respond.

"Coincidence?" The soft expression on Eos' face slowly fell away as the room around her brightened. "I've lived for too long to believe in such a thing. It seems that even without my meddling, it is time for change."

After returning her attention to the portrait before her, the image of two small children appeared in her mind's eye. There was a black-haired girl, looking to be around four years old and a little chubby boy appearing to be roughly two.

"I've long since let go of the hatred between us. Have you done the same, my old nemesis? Do you still wish to see the world burn as you selfishly fight for a place or will you acknowledge that you already have one and become something more and protect my, no our descendants?"

Glancing back at the portrait at the top of the family tree with the single word 'Nyx' underneath, Eos sighed loudly. "I never thought I would say this, but its time to wake up. Your bloodline needs you, Nyx. I need you. I can't fight him by myself."

"And it's only taken me this long to realise." Eos slowly shook her head, her eyes glazed, before vanishing in a flash of light. The room returned to silence.

====

As if she had felt Eos' plea, in a pitch-black chamber suppressed by tonnes of earth and the Citadel of Light above, Nyx's eyes abruptly shot open. A thin, protective membrane pulled back horizontality, like a crocodile's, as her circular pupils rapid contracted into draconic-like slits.

However, it wasn't Eos that had awoken Nyx. It was the sudden appearance of a strange, alien sensation that felt extremely familiar, yet utterly unknown at the same time. And what made it even more bizarre to Nyx was that this feeling had not come from the abyss but the physical world.