Some time had passed since the message of the end of the world was delivered to a group of the world's most elite individuals right after the new year had kicked off. The leader of the group, Joseph Carter, had once again gathered the cabal together for a brief meeting to catch up on the status of everyone since that day when the news was delivered. He had dishes prepared and wine ready for consumption as the group had gathered inside his work office on the top floor of a large tower with a breathtaking view of the city.
"Now that I have gathered all of you here, I would like to know how everyone has been doing since...well, the night we met the president. We will go in clockwise order starting with Dawson and ending with Adebowale. You all may begin." Joseph said, taking a seat and sipping on his wine. "And you don't have to stand. Relax, enjoy yourselves and just talk. We're all listening. We all care. Go ahead."
"My husband didn't exactly take my word to heart. He, like me, is skeptical of the supposed apocalypse coming to us later this year. While I am conflicted with my beliefs, we have not let the news affect our lives. As for our son...well he outright didn't believe it either. Thought I was just telling him to scare him into behaving well. Partially true. That is all I have to say." Laurie spoke.
"My wife and I are firm believers of the fall. It was a...a rather difficult talk, like I was telling her a family member died. We both shed some tears, but we are holding on tightly. She's supposed to be due soon with our first child...which only makes this much more unbearable to deal with. Nonetheless I...I am doing my damnedest to remain level-headed and keep the stock market afloat. I only hope to whatever God is up there that this can be prevented. Otherwise, our daughter won't survive more then a few months..." Peter shuttered, blowing his nose with a handkerchief.
"This apocalypse nonsense doesn't have me convinced. I only continue to monitor the ebb and flow of drug trafficking within my home country. Not a soul besides the president knows, and even he scoffed at the idea of another scenario where the world ends, when that has been predicted and wrong so many times. That is where I stand. Nothing more. Next!" Maria stated before downing her entire glass of whiskey.
"My entire family and I pray every night for safety. We also pray for protection and for the fall to be proven false. We do not wish to see our beautiful homeland devoured by whatever cosmic horror the madame president spoke of. While we do not wish to believe it is real, our minds say otherwise. Our beliefs remain within our own God, whom we pray can ensure the end does not come. Our country is very much guilty of great sin. We only hope to be forgiven so we may help shape a new path forward towards the future." Xiang spoke contently.
"Well...frankly there have been many a preposterous predictions of the apocalypse. Some bloke or three spouts about it every bloody fuckin' year and ends up being wrong. While the message delivered by the madame president was...rather chilling, it does not entirely convince me. Maybe this time is different. If she ends up being right, then by all means let the world end. Ain't nothing I haven't heard of before. But you bet your damn life I'll be basking in my hot tub sipping tea on our last day." Edmund snickered.
"Me and everyone in my extended family is grateful for the truth to be shown upon us. Deep inside our hearts, we do not want life to end. We as humans have made many mistakes in our advances, only crippling the world further. But I believe we can change. Should the fall not come, I wish for those in charge of the world's superpowers to come together and begin a new path towards a brighter future. The thought of the end of the world is bleak, but I will remain optimistic. For my wife, my children, and my people. Those in power where I'm from shall soon learn of the news, but not now. In due time..." Omari said.
Joseph took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. He could feel the immense pressure of multiple thoughts entering his mind. The atmosphere of the room was very heavy. Mixed emotions were rampant with everyone inside the room. Some were believers. Others were skeptical. It was much for him to take in as the man in charge of the cabal.
"Thank you all for sharing your experiences and thoughts. Remember, we are responsible for keeping the world turning. No matter if you are a believer or not, you cannot let this affect your positions of power amongst the world and it's people. As for me well...my wife was not too happy to hear of the news either. The kids aren't informed yet. Once we closer to our judgement day...only then will I reveal the truth to them." Joseph explained, taking another deep breath and sipping on his wine. "Now then, let us enjoy the food and drink I had prepared. I feel more at ease knowing how everyone has been doing since that night." Deep inside, Joseph was worried about the coming months. He had to keep the group together and focused on their own individual purposes as the worlds elite.
Shaken from the mental trauma inflicted inside the old house, Victoria sat quietly without speaking a single word on the ride back to her grandparents' home. Adrian opened the door for her as she got out and coldly made her way inside. Evelyn stood in the kitchen with the oven on. She turned to greet the two with a wave.
"Hello you two-" She paused upon seeing Victoria's hand wrapped up with bloodied gauze. She dropped her wooden spoon and quickly shuffled over to her. "What happened to you?? Are you okay??"
"It's a...long story. She should sit down." Adrian spoke up.
Evelyn followed them to the dining room table and sat down facing the two. Victoria had yet to speak up, but she knew she would have to explain what happened to her concerned grandmother. Adrian placed a hand on her thigh to comfort her. She glanced at him, he nodded in response. She then looked at Evelyn and breathed a heavy sigh. She held the book she had found in the bedroom and tossed it onto the table.
"Grandma...any idea what this book is? I found it in the bedroom at the old house. While flipping through it I...went back to a certain page. Then I started hearing a faint voice that eventually spoke directly to me... Then for some reason I was compelled to go to the mirror and saw...my reflection become some twisted visage and I...I punched the mirror. I don't know what came over me and I'm sorry for worrying you. That's why my hand is like this. Adrian thankfully had a first aid kit in his truck and helped me out." Victoria explained. Evelyn took the book and slowly turned the pages, glancing at the various sketches and words etched into every page. Her eyes went wide the further she read into the book.
"Just what in the world is this...? What on God's green earth were Edward and Mary doing with a cryptic book like this? These sketches are like...like something out of a dark, sadistic fairy tale." Evelyn stammered, absolutely stunned at the contents of the book.
"I-I don't know. But I feel it must have some connection to my mental issues. The disembodied voice, the strange visions, the nightmares...it's all been plaguing me even worse as I've gotten older. The hell does it mean??"
"Oh dearie...I wish I knew. I faintly remember your father occasionally having nightmares as a child where he would see terrifying things like creatures and these, bizarre locations he couldn't comprehend. As he grew older the nightmares were less frequent. How strange..."
"So the opposite of my situation. They've only gotten worse with my age. I'm only in my mid-twenties damn it. Why am I suffering with this shit?" Adrian gently stroked her thigh to try and calm her down.
"Again, I wish I knew. Everyone in our family lineage has had similar experiences. Edward and Mary's daughter apparently dealt with unusual mental health problems. Her two children as well, and so on. Even me in my younger days...but as I got older they just stopped with due time. You are an exceptionally rare case. Um, sorry to divert from this topic for a moment but...did you find anything else of importance in the house that you brought with you?"
Adrian perked up and lifted the photo album off his lap and placed it onto the table. Evelyn grabbed it to start glancing through it.
"We found this really old photo album. Something about it struck me as odd...shortly after their wedding photo, there's a photo taken where Edward and Mary are standing in front of some kind of cave, looking as happy as they usually do. But every other photo after that, they stopped looking happy." Adrian explained pointing at the photo he mentioned. Evelyn once again was puzzled beyond belief.
"My my...they do seem less chipper in these late photos. A cave you say?" Evelyn asked, something sparking in her mind.
"Yeah. It's as if whatever they experienced in that cave changed them. I'm wondering if that's the same cave mentioned in the story Victoria read."
"A cave huh? How interesting...well, my dear granddaughter here has clearly been through quite a lot today so why don't you two go relax in your room? I'll let you know when dinner is ready."
Adrian nodded. Him and Victoria stood up and headed upstairs to the guest bedroom. Evelyn went into the living room and sat down, waiting patiently for the food as it brewed on the stove. Henry turned to look at her with a puzzled expression on his grizzled old face. He had just finished stuffing his pipe with tobacco.
"Honey...when are you going to show them the journal?" He asked, taking a puff from his pipe.
"Soon Henry...very soon." Evelyn murmured.
Natalia sat patiently in a chair tapping her foot out of habit, eager to hear what her acquaintance has to say. Humming a tune unknown to her from down the hallway and stepping into the room was Vincent. He had a journal and pen in his hands and took a seat next to Natalia as if he was a therapist eager to listen to his patient spill their guts. Natalia leaned back and crossed her arms.
"I feel blessed to once again be in your company my lady. Now, please explain in full detail what happened to you last night." Vincent said clicking the pen in his hand.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
"Very well. I awoke in the dead of night and went to the bathroom. Before I even did anything else, I decided to look into the mirror at myself for but a moment. Examining my face, in particular my eyes. In the dead silence, it happened... An all-too-familiar voice started to speak to me. The voice that had delivered the message of the fall. This was the first time since the night of my inauguration that I had heard this voice. This time however it spoke more directly, as if I was having an actual conversation. Albeit a mostly one-sided one. It told me that it had remained dormant inside of me all this time, that it was a part of me ever since that night of first contact. It didn't give me a name yet, but said that it was the messenger from the 'outer realms.' Said I was chosen for my significance amongst the human population..."
"Hmm...interesting. Anything else to add?" Vincent was jotting down notes while he listened.
"...it said it's name did not matter at the time but will be revealed in due time. I asked it if those closest to me could be spared from the fall. While it did not promise anything, as a part of me it did take note of my...rather intimate connection with my best friend whom we...shared a rather passionate moment with together that night. It seemed...rather interested in our relationship and stated that if any one other individual I know could be spared with me...it would be her. It felt...strangely heartwarming. After that, it told me to rest and I did not hear the voice any more that night. And that is what happened."
Vincent rubbed his nose and tried to clear his mind of the perverse thought of Natalia sleeping with another woman. He knew he had to focus and be a gentleman. He finished taking notes and set the notepad down to look at h er. She looked back at him, meeting his glance.
"This is quite exciting actually my dear lady. I have heard tales similar to this. A being from the outer realm is being harbored inside of you. It chose you specifically as the Harbinger! And it is capable of direct contact and conversation with you! Fascinating! A messenger would make sense. If only I knew which of the divine outer beings this one was. I wonder if it knows of the great Cthylla we worship?? You should ask it for me! I wonder if you can awaken it at any time?"
"Perhaps only when I am alone can it speak to me. As the only two occasions it has spoken to me is when I have been alone. At night too of all times. But sure, I'll mention that name to it next time we make contact."
"Interesting. Very interesting. I think you should take the next step in accepting this voice's presence inside of you. It must have some physical form. Perhaps...you can make it manifest? Are you familiar with lucid dreaming?"
"I am. So, you think I should try and make the voice show itself? Should it have a physical form?"
"Yes absolutely! Become one with the voice! I have seen it in your eyes Natalia...you and this voice are one in the same. You must accept this. With the fall approaching soon...that conversation must be a sign that it wishes to know you more. And it can clearly feel what you feel. Maybe see what you can see? This is truly beyond human comprehension even I cannot believe it myself! If you want, you are welcome to use the secret room if you cannot make it manifest yourself."
"Secret...room? You mean the room that was locked up that you wouldn't let me see?"
"For this specific occasion I will allow it should you need it. And if you do meet this voice's physical form...please do return and inform me. Your company is always welcome in my home."
"I...I appreciate it Vincent. Thank you. I will be taking my leave now. I have an...interview to attend to tomorrow and must get plenty of rest and catch up on my paperwork."
"Interview? Well now. Good luck with that. And keep in touch."
Natalia left the house and called for the limousine. While she waited, her mind was clouded with the advice from Vincent. Did the voice have an actual physical form? Or was it simply nothing more then a disembodied voice inside her head? Now she would need to find out.
Night had fallen upon the rural lands in Maine. Adrian stood outside on the back porch with a joint in his hand. He took the lighter and sparked it up, taking a deep puff and blew the smoke out, watching it stand out from the night sky above. He was worried for Victoria after their visit to the old house. He needed some stress relief and that was where the marijuana came into play. Whether it be a tough day at work or fighting a cold that has him bedridden, Adrian always found comfort in getting high to calm his mind and ease the constant anxiety life and the world brought him. He leaned against the wall of the house and pulled out his phone to scroll through social media. His feed consisted of memes, posts shared by his friends, the occasional selfie or two and whatever posts in the various groups he was in were popular enough to garner his attention. He did his best to avoid depressing content such as the news or pages run by "woke" individuals and conspiracy theorists blabbing about the latest wild theories shared around.
"What a fuckin' way to start the new year off. All my friends are having fun on the weekends, and here I am in the middle of nowhere trying to solve some mystery related to my girlfriends family and her mental issues. Lucky me..." Adrian muttered to himself, taking another hit from the joint. He grabbed the wireless earbuds out of his pants pocket and stuck them in his ears, turning on some atmospheric progressive metal from his phone to help ease his mind, feeling quite stoned from the joint. Despite the bitter cold of the night, he felt more at ease now.
Up in the guest bedroom, Victoria laid in the bed with her eyes glued to her phone. She was searching on the internet for any information regarding her situation. She stumbled upon a message board filled with posts of people explaining their bizarre dreams and other mental health problems, but none of the posts seemed to match her own issues. The closest she found were either people suffering from night terrors or claiming to be haunted by demons. No information she tried to look into helped her either. Her case was truly unique and rare and it bothered her deeply. She was starting to regret never seeking therapy too. At least they got some answers from Evelyn earlier. The history of Edward and Mary was slowly unfolding, but not by much. It was still clouded in mystery. After she gave up and some time passed that she wasted watching videos, Adrian came back into the room. She glanced at him, seeing his eyes reddened from his intoxicated state.
"Hey. Feeling better?" Victoria asked.
"I should be asking you that. How's your hand babe?" Adrian asked as he started to undress.
"Still hurts but...I think the bleeding has stopped. How long should I keep the gauze on for?"
"Uh, like another day or two. Let those cuts from the glass slowly seal up. It's funny. One time I had something similar happen to my pal at work. He locked the keys into his shitty car and had to break the window. He reached in to unlock the doors and cut his arm on the broken glass. So I had to gauze his arm up since he didn't want to go to the hospital. My dad taught me first aid shit so I have decent knowledge on treating wounds like cuts."
"Yikes. That must've sucked for him."
"It was. His arm was fine after a few days, so even though your cuts were a lot worse, after some time to heal your hand should be fine. Well, I'm going to watch something on the TV. I'm feeling pretty good right now."
"Fine. I'll watch with you. I'm not that tired anyway."
While the two sat up in bed watching a show where three people do commentary on funny internet videos, Adrian put his arm around Victoria. She leaned her head on his shoulder. He gently stroked a finger across her cheek, she turned to look at him and he kissed her. The taste of his lips helped put her at ease. He then ran a hand through her hair.
"Hey, um..." Adrian started to speak.
"Yeah?" Victoria answered.
"...Sorry that this has been so hard on you. Hopefully we get more answers on your family's past and...well, you can get this mental struggle with whatever demon you're dealing with over with."
"Yeah. Thanks for, you know...being so supportive of me. I'm glad I don't have to do this shit alone. We will figure this out. I just know it. We will..."
"Shh. Hey, you know what might help ease some of your anxiety?"
"I know what your stoned ass is thinking Adrian...but honestly I could use some relief right now after a day like today. So you just relax, okay? I feel like going for a little...ride."
Victoria moved herself so she was sitting on top of Adrian. She slowly swayed her hips on his crotch and dug her nails into his bare shoulders. He was getting perpetually aroused and grabbed her thighs. She reached down and slid her panties off slightly, unsheathed what was poking up inside his underwear then slowly started riding on him. He closed his eyes and listened to her moans echoing through his ears, a wide smile across his face. Victoria was glad there was an entire room separating the guest bedroom from her grandparents so any sounds she made were muffled through the thick walls of the house. Her moans got louder, nails clawing on Adrian's shoulders starting to bleed. He grabbed her thighs and squeezed her soft skin, turning her on even more and causing her to move faster while riding him. The heat emanating from their bodies had them both sweating profusely, her moans louder from the sheer ecstasy flowing through her body. It wasn't long until the two both reached a climax, Victoria crying out in pleasure and forcing her grip on Adrian's shoulders to tighten as he let out a moan, finishing inside of her. Sweating and exhausted, Victoria panted and kissed Adrian before climbing off of him and laying back down. He slid down so his head hit the pillow. The two of them soon passed out for the rest of the night.
The clock on the wall ticked down by the second. Natalia entered into her walk-in closet and faced the mirror, still fully dressed despite the late hour of the night. She faced herself in the long, narrow mirror placed on the floor and took a good look at her figure before stepping closer to stare directly into the eyes of her own reflection.
"Alright you. Listen up...I know you can hear me. I wish to see the real you. Do you possess a physical form of some kind you damned voice? Come on! Say something!" Natalia scowled. "As the Harbinger you chose as a vessel I demand to see what you look like! Unless you really are just a stupid voice inside my head."
Silence. Not a single word from the voice spoke up. She grunted and slammed her foot on the floor.
"Oh so you only speak when you want to huh? You're so selfish. I feel like an idiot talking to myself here."
Still no response. Her anger only grew stronger, fists clenched tightly. She then cleared her throat to try a different method.
"The Harbinger wishes an audience with you, messenger harbored inside of me. Will you grant me this wish?"
Once again, no response. Natalia decided she would just go to sleep and see if something would happen in her dreams. She got undressed into her lingerie and slid into bed, closing her eyes until she fell asleep. Her eyes shot open once the sound of an explosion was heard. She found herself standing up on a street corner. She took a look around and her jaw dropped. All around her was absolute chaos. The skies were red. Clusters of cars and trucks sat empty on the road, some toppled over and wrecked. Buildings were crumbling and burning. Ashes rained down from the skies. Screams echoed in the distance followed by another explosion. In the sky Natalia saw two massive, piercing green eyes looking down upon the world. Whatever the eyes were connected to, was shrouded by dark clouds. It was like waking up to the apocalypse. She could only look in shock at the mysterious eyes gazing into her soul
"Thou shall see the truth soon."
The voice spoke to her. The dream felt like an eternity, standing in silence stuck gazing into the giant eyes in the sky. Another explosion went off in the distance followed by more screams. A shadowed, distorted figure crept up behind Natalia and grabbed her shoulder. She turned around and the dream suddenly ended. Her eyes opened up wide, looking up at the ceiling in her bedroom. The daylight was poking though the curtains and the alarm clock by her bedside went off. Natalia remained in bed. She had a busy day to look forward to. However, she also knew that she had to do the unthinkable...and go see the secret room in Vincent's home...