He who fights with monsters should be careful lest he thereby become a monster. And if thou gaze long into an abyss, the abyss will also gaze into thee."                

-Neitzsche  

 It's a cold snowy night in the city of Fenir (Feh-near). Normally people would be at home, enjoying the warmth and company of family and friends. I’m simply enjoying my walk back from work. Making my way past various stores, and street lights with groceries in hand. Even in the cold, the salty smell of the sea is still present. Looking ahead a figure is leaning on the rail. They turn around as I pass by, a glance reveals they have tanned skin, short black hair, and bright emerald eyes. Thinking to myself Must be a tourist from one of the domains continuing to make my way home. A sense of dread passes over me. He's Earth Domain! A blade whistles above my head and a sharp pain go across my back. Quickly trying to get away and glancing back, the guy seems to be wielding daggers of ivory. He lunges once more towards me, throwing a punch. Jumping back barely dodging the punch, but the blade cuts down on my face. Pain begins to flare up on the left side as blood begins to trickle onto the ground. Looking around frantically as I get back up I think, How do I get out? The onslaught of slashes and punches continue, as I defend and dodge the blows as best I can. Cuts are all over my forearms after waiting for an opening. I bolted towards the rail, time seeming to slow down as I jump off towards the sea, a final slash goes across my back before landing in the cold water. Thoughts run through my head, who was that guy, why me? Before I hit the bottom I try to look around in the dark, I can't see anything. I close my eyes and reflect on my memories of different animals that I've seen. Rounded bell shape, long strand-like venomous tentacles,  jellyfish. My hair begins glowing a light blue hue with bioluminescence, lighting my area as I make my way back to the surface. Looking up at the rail and a sigh of relief escapes me he’s gone. Turning off the glow before beginning to make my way towards the mountainside. Being soaked while in the cold, trying to climb, definitely not my best idea. I managed to climb and stumble my way back home. Winds seeming to cut through me every step of the way.

     Getting to the door I fumbled to get my keys from my pockets to get inside. Trying to sneak inside as someone in the kitchen notices me entering.

“How was work?” My sister Kara asked as the stove is ignited on

“Uhm, it went quite well, a bit slow at the store but Mrs. Garner let me leave a bit early” I mutter out trying to keep my shivering from being noticed

“Where's Dad ?” I asked slowly walking into the kitchen to get to the first aid kit

“He's resting in his room.” she turns around to check on the food and notices my current state.

“Nyx, what happened, why didn't you call?”  as she quickly begins cleaning the wounds. Looking at the other cuts

“It happened after work, someone from Earth Domain attacked me. The cuts aren't that bad” showing the ones on my arms “it doesn’t hurt as much anymore. I forgot my phone at home, sorry.”

Kara finishes up with the rag

“Well, I’m glad you got out of there, go take a shower, dinner will be ready by then.” Grabbing some sweatpants and a cotton shirt, and leaving them on the sink before I get in the shower. Turning on the shower I let the water hit my back as the room slowly filled with steam. Grabbing the soap and shampoo results in dull sparks of pain. Stepping out of the shower, with the light fragrance of coconut in the air. Feeling refreshed I make my way to the table where a bowl of steaming stew awaits. Kara unties the apron and begins cleaning the room with a mop and duster while I enjoy the beef stew. I later clean up my bowl and make my way to the comfort of my bed and fall fast asleep.

     I dreamt of days in the past, where my sister and I would play around in the snow in the Water Domain. I would hide while Kara would look for me, but this time it seemed like an eternity. I got out of the hiding spot and looked around.

“Kara!” no response “Mom, Dad!” my echoes seem to be my only response. Walking around trying to look for anyone that could help. Getting to the top of a nearby hill looking around, tears begin to form and sting, as slowly the sun seems to run away behind distant mountains. My eyes hurt but I'm still looking out, on a lake, two figures lie on the ice. “Mom! Dad!” quickly running towards them. As soon as I run onto the ice, it splits into three and the pieces begin to shrink and drift away. Keeping sight of both of them as Mom's ice breaks and she falls into the water. Quickly in succession, the same thing happens to Dad, then mine follows as well breaking and I sink into the cold dark abyss.

     Waking up and looking outside, it's still dark outside, I quickly grab my phone and call the hospital and after a few seconds get a response.

“Hello, this is Fenir Hospital how may I assist you.”

“This is Nyx Castellan, is my mom…. Is Emma Castellan ok?”

“Give me a moment sir.” The few seconds of silence are left with me shivering before the nurse returns to the phone.

“She’s fine, but we are still unable to figure out the reason why she's still unconscious.” Releasing a sigh of relief 

“Thanks for the update, goodbye.” my back and arms are still sore but still pick myself up. I head to the kitchen, getting ready for school, school uniform ironed and ready. A slight turning from the living room catches my attention. It seems Kara fell asleep on the couch last night, I grab a blanket from my room and place it over her as I go outside and begin walking towards school. From a window, a head looks out with long silver hair

“Hey Nyx, are you heading to school? Wait up.” It’s nice seeing Evette (e-vet) this morning, she’s helped me learn what it’s like here in the Light Domain. I waited just a few minutes until she came down from her apartment in school uniform

“So you’re up early, normally we don’t go till later” pausing after noticing the bandage on the left side of my face

“What happened?” She said quite worried looking at the cuts on my arms as well

“It’s fine, it’s a bit sore now but it’s just a cut, last night I got a bit too curious and this happened.” Just trying to reassure her, she doesn’t seem that convinced, as she takes off her gloves.

“ Let’s see what I can do.” placing her hand on my cheek she begins muttering a quick chant and a blanket of peace seems to surround us. Focusing on the warmth coming from her, the pain begins leaving slowly and in its place, the feeling of a good morning stretch is left. I glance at my arm as the scars begin to close and fade leaving only faint white marks in their place. She finishes the chant hands on her knees breathing heavily 

“ Is everything alright?” getting ready to catch her in case she falls over.

“It’s fine, I just haven’t done that in a while, I'm just a bit tired, give me a few minutes.”Few minutes of silence pass as Evette calms her breathing a distant bell rings. We only have five minutes left. I don’t think we’ll make it if we run, I don’t think Evette’s up for running at all.”

“Evette.”

“Hmm,” she asks 

“I don’t think you’ll like this.” closing my eyes and thinking back to the snowy mountains at Water Domain. Quiet wings that fly gracefully through the sky, snow owls. Wings, white soft wings form and attach to the back, picking up Evette.

“Hold on tight.”

“Nyx! I hate heights” she says while quickly grabbing on right. Winter winds aren’t the best to fly in but, we still make it to the school. Looking down at Evette who hasn’t said a word the whole flight

“We made it” Evette had closed her eyes the entire time, blinking, looking quite stiff. I carefully set her and she then recovers quite quickly when she’s on the ground, from there she hurriedly heads inside. I take off the bandage and make my way inside. Eos Academy, students marching in formation while instructors would call out formations, others would spar in the back. I enrolled here not too long ago. I wonder how this year will go? Walking into the lecture room I sit down in a chair near the front next to Evette and with various other students. 

“Did you hear two new students are coming in today” I overhear a student say, quite interested in the topic I turn around and ask

“New students?” The girl with behind looks content in receiving the question

“I heard he’s from the Earth Domain, and the other is a girl from the Fire Domain.” Earth Domain, don’t tell me, the instructor with long silver hair Ms. Foster calls the room to attention.

“As some of you have heard two new students will be joining us today.” Looking outside the door of the room she waves them in, the door opens with both students walking. A girl is a bit short with long red hair and round glasses with books in her arms that probably weigh as much as her. Behind her walks in a guy with tanned skin, short black hair, and emerald eyes

Ms. Foster was simply beaming to see everyone's reaction to the new students.

“Now then, could you two introduce yourselves and tell us your abilities?” The guy takes a step forward.

“Morning everyone, I'm Julius, I’m from the Earth Domain, my ability is Calcium Manipulation.” He walks towards the back and sits down. The red hair girl steps forward.

“ My name is Sophie from the Fire Domain, my ability is Thermal Sense” she then sits closest to the front, with her book on her lap. 

“Now then for our first day, we’ll be dividing up into squads. You'll be with them till the end of the year, so do get along.” Ms. Foster begins choosing different groups of four until me, Evette, Julius, and Sophie are left.

“Now isn't this a coincidence? The newer people all in one group, hope you guys all get along.” This isn't a coincidence she knew what she was doing. I think to myself as I slowly slump in my chair. From there the groups were directed to change clothing and to head to the training grounds. The training uniform is contained in a cylindrical capsule. Putting it on the uniform feels more fluid and not as solid. The uniform is all one piece, a bit chilly, all white with gold lining. How is this tight suit supposed to protect anything? I think to myself poking at the uniform.

     Going to the training grounds at the back of Eos. A forested area with various obstacles scattered about, groups gathered up in front of the forest. Miss Foster walks up and says

“Today’s lesson will be a simple capture the flag” huh definitely taken aback by the idea of the lesson. She continues ignoring everyone’s confused looks

“It’s a simple team activity, and it allows us to see where everyone is at skills-wise. Weapons are blunted, but there are no other restrictions. Healers and a few other students will provide care after the event. Aberrations won’t hold back, I expect the same from my students. Look out for the starting signal before attacking.  Get started, groups hide your flags, and we’ll start in the afternoon and go until all the flags are collected.” Turning to my group Julius and Sophie have already begun walking towards the forest. I turn to Evette and say

“Guess they’ve already got a plan. Let’s catch up before they go too far.” Evette nods as she clutches her necklace, squeezing it before jogging towards them, I follow behind her, flag in hand. The two have already begun clearing an area, Julius clears the brush with a short sword, I walk up to a tree where Sophie is perched on and ask.

“ Anything we can help with?” Sophie peers over and says

“ Catch this.” tossing two small earpieces, then saying

“We need to have some way to contact each other” pointing to some vines that Julius cut down

“Braid them into ropes and we’ll make some traps. We need someone to look for where the other groups are at.” Evette ties her hair up and begins gathering. I make my way to the center of our camp. I can probably get a better view from the sky, Wings. As I’m in the air, I scan the forest a few minutes pass, it’s too quiet, I haven’t heard anything. A bright red light is fired from the edge of the forest, a tree line fades and the game commences. The earpiece receives Sophie saying

“Nyx, can you see Julius? He left as the flare was fired, Evette went to stop him. They haven’t responded to their earpieces.”

Evette!  Pressing the earpiece 

“I’ll look for them.” Trying to fly as fast as I can through the forest. The sound of steel clashing in the distance. Going towards the clashing Julius comes to view fending off two other cadets. Tackling one of the attackers as the wings fade away. Julius hitting the other with the end of the handle CRACK as his opponent crumples to the ground.

“Where’s Evette?” Catching my breath after the wings fading.

“She’s by the tree. The idiot pushed me out of the way and got knocked out.” Pointing past a few trees where she lay unconscious near one. Quickly picking her up and turning to Julius 

“We need to get back to camp, can you follow behind?” 

“I can follow behind but I don’t plan on it. I know where their team is camped at, I can get their flag.” As he points a sword of bone towards the north. 

“We can get them as a team once we get back to camp, and heal Evette. There’s no need to rush in blindly by yourself.” Looking quite angry he replies with

“No need to start acting like you're worried, I’ll handle them and take Evette back to camp.” summons a second sword that erupts from his palm as he makes his way to the north. Quite confused on why he’s mad at me I place a finger on the earpiece

“ I’ve got Evette, she's unconscious, Julius is heading North. I’ll be making my way back now.” It begins to crackle back a response

“Alri-t get b b back Carefully.” Gotta get back to camp quickly, the wings aren’t working at the moment. I’ll try to run back. Wolf - Hybrid! Fusing with a Grey Wolf with me, catching the scent of Julius and Sophie. The suit seems to adjust to the change in size. I sprint back towards the camp avoiding the scents of other groups. The camp was surprisingly untouched, various people that fell in holes with scattered leaves around, a few people tied up with vines. Sophie pops up from a barricade pistol in hand, eyes widening when she notices Evette's current state. 

“Nyx, when were you able to turn into a werewolf?” 

“I’ll tell you later, take care of Evette, I'll grab Julius and we’ll defend the camp.” The form fading away placing Evette behind the makeshift barricade. Sophie places a finger on the earpiece

“Julius, are you still North.” A pause before she tries again

“Julius where are you?” No response 

“Nyx he isn’t responding either they’ve got him and have his earpiece, or someone messing with my tech.” Sophie’s eyes glow a bright red as she looks around us.

“Fuck, we’re surrounded. Grab Evette, the traps should be able to slow them down.” Picking her up and reforming the wings picking Sophie and Evette and taking off to the skies. Heading North and landing in a clearing

“Wolf and Owl anything else? You sure you’re Water Domain?”  Studying the wings before branches snap behind us. Julius walks up smiling cheerfully, his swords stainless 

“How’s it going Nyx.” As he gets closer I ask

“Why didn’t you respond to your earpiece?” Julius cocks his head and scratches his head look to the top right

“Earpiece? You never gave me one.” Sophie’s eyes will glow

“Julius are you cold? Your body temp is freezing.” Hand hovering over her gun. Julius looks infuriated and confused

“ What’s the reason behind these questions, It‘s me.” Sophie quickly draws her firearm and fires two rounds one on each leg. Julius stands still, holes in his legs bleeding, purple? 

“Who are you and what did you do to Julius?” As I force a 4th to shapeshift into the hybrid wolf form claws at the ready.

“He’s been dealt with, I’ve been tasked to send you to the Aboleth.” Swords were drawn studying us closely. Branches snap behind us as the Julius copy crumples as a blow is received on his side and Julius stands behind  spiked gauntlets of bone and the side of his head caked with blood and dirt. Turning toward Sophie.

“ Fire a damn flare, warn the others, this is an Aberration. Nyx assist me on capturing it.” Continuing to deliver blows, punches, and claw strikes until it no longer moved. Once it did the Julius copy splits open revealing a person wearing a torn training uniform. Horn blasts in the distance, the wolf form flickering and fading. Spots filling my vision, warm red liquid flowing through my nose. Stumbling backward but, the minutes of rest clears it. Ms. Foster arrives with a squadron and surrounds the Aberration placing it in a containment unit, and the student is placed on a stretcher. Ms. Foster turns to us and asks 

“What happened here?” We all turn to Julius who stands up coughing into a rag

“The Aberration attacked me and while in the form of the student, then seemed to take my form after knocking me unconscious. I’m not sure why I wasn’t absorbed as well. He took my blades and I assume he attacked other students.” 

She writes it down on a tablet, she looks up to Evette waking up, my nose bleeding, Sophie covering her eyes with a wrap, and Julius hiding the rag. She signals to her squadron and grabs more stretchers.

“Alright, we’ll send you to the med bay and patch you guys up.”  A yellow flare is fired, lighting the sky, various color flares follow afterward, and the squadron heads inside the academy. Being placed on the med bay beds and healers in white robes and white hoods walk in. 

“Wow, today’s exercise was rough on you guys, let’s see what is giving you guys difficulty.” They place a gem on everyone’s forehead, like their checking temperature, and a soft light envelops each person. Information on our members appeared in our heads

Julius 

Mild internal damage, Calcium deficiency, and exhaustion 

Sophie

Eye strain, exhaustion

Evette

Concussion

Nyx

Exhaustion, minor muscle tears, nosebleed due to stress placed on the body

“I’ll be having my assistant treat you and I’ll be assigning a diet plan to assist while you train your abilities.” He scribbles on a clipboard and his assistant takes over. She places her hands on the injured areas and repeats a chant of healing coming in pulses of warmth. 

“You guys should be alright, I advise that you let your abilities rest for today. Think of your abilities like muscles. You strain them with exercise but you need to provide energy and give it time to rest to recover and get stronger.” After the advice, she directs us back to the class, where mostly everyone is. Muscles sore as we all seem to struggle sitting down, Ms. Foster walks to the podium with a somber look.

“Welcome back I’m glad everyone got back. I know some of you are wondering why we cut the training exercise short. I’ll explain, an Aberration tore a rift into our Domain and broke in. We are working to find that tear and we plan on repairing it immediately. One of our students was absorbed by the Aberration and now lays comatose in the Med Bay. We don’t know when or if he’ll ever wake up. Due to these events, we’ll be assigning instructors from various Domains to come and assist in teaching you how to better wield your abilities. We plan on having measures placed to handle fewer casualties to occur in the future. Squads come up and I’ll assign you a teacher, those injured I’ll give your instructor’s name at the end of class.” Students from each squad walked up, looking at my group we all nodded and stayed in our seats for the time being. In time the other squads received their instructors and Ms. Foster walked up to our table.

“Your squad will be under Instructor Ivallan ( Eve-All-in), he'll be on the upper floors. He is from the Dark Domain.” She walks back to the podium and dismisses everyone to go to their instructors. Getting to those stairs felt like trekking a mountain, I’m not sure how we got up but we did and went inside the room assigned to us. Seated inside was a middle-aged man with dark black hair, crutches at the side of his chair. 

“ Welcome, sit down we’ll be having a lesson.”  Sitting down and releasing a sigh. We go through introductions and he starts the lesson with a question

“Do you know why there are six Domains named after an Element?” Looking around everyone else doesn’t seem to know

“Alright let’s start with legends, Spirits gifted 6 people one different Element. They lived together and fought an unknown element that had sprouted out, Aberrations, monsters that had invaded from rifts. There seems to be gaps in lore for what happened, but they separated bringing groups of people from their world into a Domain of their making categorized by their element. Time would pass and they'd allow for travel between domains through rifts. How can you tell a person's Domain? Sophie pipes up and says

“Their hair and eye color” Ivallen nods and says

“Indeed” while stopping a bit to glance towards, raising an eyebrow before continuing on.

“Light domain, their hair is white, dark domain is black, earth domain have brown hair, water, blue, Fire red, and air is a yellow/ blonde color.  In time the 

Domain abilities have branched away and mutated from their pure element, such as.” Pausing to point towards Evette “healing from the Light domain.” This is the first time I’ve heard of the legend in this way. Is this all class will consist of? Ivallen looks towards the clock, “It seems that’s all the time I have for today.” Getting his crutches “I’ll see you guys first thing tomorrow for a lesson, that should be quite interesting.” Everyone gets up and heads down the stairs

I had a question I forgot to ask! Running back upstairs to see Ivallen making he way to an Elevator with his keycard

“Instructor Ivallen!” He turns around 

“Yes Nyx, what’s the matter?

“ I was wondering if you knew who Aboleth is.” furrowing his brow

“ I’ve never heard of this. Where did you hear of this? 

“It was when the Aberration took the form of a student and was about to attack us. It said it was his job to send us to Aboleth.” He slides he keycard

“I’ll research this and get back to you tomorrow.” Walking in as the doors open and it heads to the base floor. Weird, why was he in a rush? I’ve got to ask Julius something. Running down the stairs and heading outside the doors of the academy into the rain. Looking around for the others, later spotting them at a pavilion. Getting to them under the roof and away from the rain. 

“Julius, I’ve got a question I’d like to ask you.” He looks and walks over

“What’s your question?” Looking quite surprised and in a whisper I ask

“Last night, why did you attack me? He looks up quite confused 

“What do you mean? I arrived at the Light Domain this morning.” Now it’s my turn to be confused. 

“Really?” He nods and pulls out a rift ticket at the time arrival stating 6 am. 

“Sorry about that, must’ve been something else. See you guys tomorrow.” Waving goodbyes before walking home in the rain. A bit of time passes before I hear

“Wait up Nyx.” Jogging towards me 

 “Thoughts on today’s exercise?” Her hands shielding her face from the sun

“It was unexpected, the first day and we’re already fighting other squads. I’m exhausted.” She begins looking at the ground and the walk is silent for a time. Evette shivers a bit, arms crossed as the rain continues. Quickly looking around for somewhere to escape the rain, a coffee shop.

“Evette, would you like to get a drink and wait out the storm? She looks up and nods and we head inside. The door opens and a little bell rings, a guest of warmth passes carrying the smell of coffee and pastries. Taking off our soaked jackets and making our way to the counter. The barista says

“Welcome to Fenir’s Coffeehouse, quite the nasty weather we’re having. If you’d like we can dry your jackets, and you can pick them up on your way out. We hand our jackets over and begin ordering Evette starts it off 

“I'd like to have a hot chocolate with a cinnamon roll.” The barista hands her a cup with steam rising from it, along with a small box with a strong smell of cinnamon coming from it. Walking up

“I’ll try out black coffee with a doughnut.”

“First time?” Asking while brewing a fresh cup and handing the doughnut

“Yes, it’s my first time trying coffee and visiting.” Embarrassed at the fact

The barista pours some coffee in a really small cup

“Try this.” Handing the small cup over, I drink it. The bitterness sends a shock through my system. Seeing the reaction she says

“Not a fan?” I shake my head taking a bite of the doughnut to take the bitter taste away.

“We have other options. We have hot chocolate as well as some teas.” After some time I settle on a hot chocolate and pay for the both of us. Evette is seated by a window, we take our time and finish our drinks and pastries as the rain stops outside. We pick up our recently dried jackets and start the walk once more. Walking up to her house she turns around and says

“I plan on getting stronger, I wasn’t ready today and it showed.”  Shaking my head

“Today was unexpected, so please don’t be too hard on yourself. I’m excited to see how strong you get. If your parents don’t get home in time you can stop by for dinner.” She smiles and nods before heading inside. Getting to my house the driveway is empty, unlocking the door and turning on the lights. They'll be back a bit late tonight, I’ll cook tonight. Checking the fridge and the steak catches my eye. Placing that on the table, alongside some potatoes and asparagus. I start by cleaning the vegetables. Peeling, dicing the potatoes and putting them in water to boil. While that’s going on I sear the steak on a skillet, with butter and some herbs and place it to rest after cooking it. I finish cooking all the food as the door opens. Kara dragged her bags before sitting on the couch and releasing a sigh and kicking off her heels. 

“ Dinner is finished.” Plating the food on a plate and placing it on a bench near Kara 

“ How was work today?” Between mouthfuls she says

“Not too bad, children running around, trying to stop them from putting things in their mouth, the usual.” The doorbell rings, and I hurry and get the door. Evette is standing outside with a cheesecake in hand

“Um I wasn’t sure what to bring so I brought over dessert.” There's a few moments of me looking at Evette in a plaid skirt before letting her inside. Kara laughs a bit while inside as she moves her plate to the table. 

“I didn’t think you invited someone for dinner. Come on in. Nyx quit staring.” She gets a plate ready for Evette and places a seat back by the table, the meal goes by soundly. After a few minutes pass before the doorknob shakes a bit before being opened. Dad stumbles inside, bottle in hand.

“What’s tonight’s dinner?” Slurring over his words and taking a swig. 

“It’s steak, mashed potatoes and a side of asparagus. Could you put the bottle down before we eat?” He glares while clenching the bottle 

“ You telling me what to do? My house, my rules.” He’s stumbling closer

“ I’m asking, you’ve been doing this ever since mom got sick. It isn't healthy.” Backing up slowly, as his hand moves to the neck of the bottle, swinging and my vision goes dark to the sound of glass shattering. Fading in and out of consciousness on the ground I’m faintly able to see ice mist envelop the room. Kara yelling at Dad, voices echoing into my head, pointing towards the door as ice armor envelops her as everything fades to darkness.

Waking up to a monitor beeping steadily, opening my eyes. Kara is sleeping on a chair, Evette is resting near the bed. What do I do, I don’t want to wake them up. Looking around for the nurse call button looking to the right then left as a sharp pain tears through the left side of my face. Immediately grabbing that side, shuffling around trying to stop the pain during the process. Kara and Evette both wake up Kara grabbing my hand gently and with the other, wisps of cold flow numbing the pain. A knock can be heard from faintly outside the room, and in a whispery voice a man asks

“Is Nyx awake?” Kara looks to Evette and walks opening the door

“Yes, can you do something about the pain he’s in?” He nods and places on glasses and moves a chair near the bed. He pulls out a blinding light from his pocket.

“Hmmm” Continuing to look, making a diagnosis, he carefully begins unwrapping bandages that are stained red.

“You have a concussion, and small cuts along the left side. There are signs of exhaustion my guess is ability overuse. I’ll send a healer over as your injuries don’t seem to require surgery. Sit tight, they'll be here any moment.” Standing up and leaving the room. Kara takes her spot near the bed on the doctors chair. A cell phone buzzes and Evette checks her purse, and stands up

“Parents are calling. Do you guys need anything while I’m outside for a bit?” Kara shakes her head, shuffling a bit in the bed

“Could you grab me some water?” She nods and gives a slight grin and she heads out the door. Lying back on the bed and turning to Kara

“Where’s Dad?” As the words leave my mouth she clenches her fist, and takes a deep breath.

“I told him to leave, and told him not to come back.” He’s gone too then. Taking a shaky breath before I follow up with a final question.

“Are you ok?” She gives my hand a tight squeeze before the door opens and a nurse walks in, hurriedly.

“Sorry for taking so long. There were other patients b b b but.”  Kara raises her hand

“Take your time. You seem new so take your time, no need to rush. Take a breath.” The nurse nods, fixing her posture and starting again, more sure of herself 

“Nyx Castellan, I’ll be providing the healing to fix you right up.” Moving to my left side

“Do tell me if you ever feel pain during the process.” Hovering her hand above my head as she begins a healing chant. The healing comes in waves, cold and numbing, but quite gently. It takes a minute until she finishes up.

“I’d recommend resting, I healed the muscle strains along with your injuries.” She then walks out the room as Evette also enters. Taking a seat and unscrewing the cap before handing it over. 

“I’ll have to leave in a bit. Kara could I get a ride home?” She looks up and grabs her keys 

“ Nyx will you be alright?” Only able to show a nod before the exhaustion finally takes hold. Fading back into Darkness. Wisps of white, dark purple, red, blue, green, and grey swirling around me. In time they collide with each other, some combining and others bouncing off each other. The wisps pause before moving towards the center going inside causing my chest to glow with various colors.

Getting out of bed proved to be more difficult than I thought. The warmth seemed to try anything to keep me there. After winning the little battle of the morning, I explore the room, a heart monitor at the side, and various cabinets. Drawing the curtains open, brightening the room, something catches my eye. A folded shirt, pants, and on top. A card? Did Kara leave this? Picking up the letter, it doesn’t seem to be addressed to anyone. The front of the letter has a large wormlike beast in a coiled position. On the back of the letter is a giant bold letter A. After looking it over I finally open the letter, the handwriting looking quite familiar 

Nyx I pray this letter has come to you. I believe I’ve found a solution to your mother’s illness. I found out about some research they’re doing on aberrations. They say I’ll be a great asset in the research which can be used to help so many others. 

Take care Nyx, I’ll see you later from Dad.

Gripping the letter hard, crumpling it in the process, hands shaking. Is that all he had to say. See you later. Throwing the letter not bothering to see where it hits. Where’s Kara? I’m still in the bloody clothes from yesterday. Glancing at the clock in the room, 8:00. I'm late! Scrambling to get ready, putting on the clothes checking the mirror. Some time passes as a knocking at the door quickly puts a stop to the scrambling. Getting to the door I ask

“Who is it?” quickly putting on the sweatpants and shirt. A familiar gravelly voice speaks from outside.

“Kara told me you were at the hospital, I've got Julius, Sophie and Evette waiting outside. I wanted you to participate in today's lesson.” 

“Instructor Ivallen, I was just on my way there.” Not really sure of what else to say.

“I'm sure you were.” chuckling slightly “For today's lesson I thought we’d take a trip to the Water Domain.” As I hear those words I quickly open the door. Ivallen is leaning on his crutch slightly taken aback as I say.

“Really! I haven’t visited home in a while.” He nods and adds

“Indeed. Also don't worry about being signed out of the hospital, it's been taken care of. Now let's get going, they're waiting” He turns around and limps to the exit, I follow behind brimming with excitement. At the front desk, the three are seated. Evette is fiddling with her necklace. Julius is rolling a coin on his fingers, almost making it dance. Sophie is reading a book, her eyes flaring bright red as we get close. Ivallan begins telling today's plan

“We’ll be going Rift Jumping to the Water Domain. Once we get there, I'll teach a lesson and we’ll go sight seeing a bit.” As we head outside Julius gives a light punch to my shoulder and heads out behind Ivallen. Walking out of the hospital, Ivallen makes his way to a parked vehicle, getting in on the passenger side. Everyone goes in one at a time, and we drive off passing several skyscrapers. During the drive, Sophie taps my shoulder and asks.

“What happened yesterday?” her irises flaring red. Releasing a sigh as I say

“I’ll talk about it later, rather not talk about it now.” She glances at Evette and me before her eyes return to normal. She lets out a sigh and returns to reading. Julius sits back and closes his eyes. Evette has her hands clasped together, head bowed until we arrived. The Rift jumpsite is a giant dome on top of a limestone building. Ivallen steps out first and walks up the steps. Stepping out of the car black spots fill my vision and the sound of glass shattering echoes in my head.  Falling backwards as shadowy tendrils envelop me as I fall. Hands stop my fall, and a voice says.

“Whoa there. Let's try to make it to the Water Domain without any injuries.” Ivallen stands me back up hopping a bit before saying.

“I was worried about the extent of the damage. Hopefully, this visit will help in your recovery.”  The spots slowly clear up after a few deep breaths “ I’m good to go” Walking up the stairs assisting Ivallen, his left leg seeming to phase in and out of view. Evette quickly hands him his crutch and he makes his way inside. As the group heads inside, Evette stays back a bit and tugs on my sleeve. 

“Is there anything I can help with, Nyx?” looking at Evette, glancing to see if the others are in earshot before responding.

“Healers say my injuries are healed but, something feels off. I almost fell over getting out of the car. I-.” Glass shatters inside the building. Flinching at the noise, before looking inside. There's flowers on the ground, glass and water all over the ground. I take a few breaths, before turning back to her.

“I don't know what's wrong.” Evette glances at her necklace.

“Well, whenever I'm scared or confused, I say a prayer to Eos. I don't always get answers but, just talking to someone helps. I don't know if you believe in a God but I hope this can help.” She unclasps her necklace and places it in my hand.

“I’m here if you need help, don't try to go through this alone. Let's both work on getting stronger.” She gives my arm a little squeeze before heading inside. Holding the necklace in my hand and looking it over. A thin silver necklace with a ring, in the center is a yellow topaz. Clasping the necklace on, giving it another look, the door opens and Julius sticks his head out.

“You good? How long do you plan on looking at the necklace?” Immediately my face feels hot as I sheepishly say

“Sorry, I'll be there in a bit.” Julius laughs a bit after seeing my reaction and heads back inside. Going in the Rift Jumpsite, cool air blasts out, as the doors are open. Steps echoing on the marble floors, the group waits at a desk speaking with an attendant. 

“Alright so it's 5 tickets to the Water Domain. Will this be a round trip?” 

“Yes, we’ll be back tomorrow morning.” she nods and pulls out a tablet.

“I just need you to sign off on this and I’ll direct you all to the rift.”  He takes the pen and signs off on it. The attendant takes us to a separate room with six floating colored stones, white, grey, black, blue, green, red.  Underneath the stones, tears in the world with their respective colors swirl. Ivallen turns to me

“Are you ready to visit home?” I give a glance to the others before nodding. He steps into the blue rift first, and the rest of us follow right behind. The blue rift swirls and pushes against us like a strong, cold, ocean current. Cold pulses get softer and softer as we go further until suddenly, the current suddenly stops, the pulsing now eerily silent. Ivallen raises his hand stopping us and looks behind checking the rift as he says.

“Why has the rift stopped?” The rift begins to shake and violet cracks begin to form at the ends of the rift. Everyone has their backs to each other. Julius yells over his shoulder

“Instructor, where are these damn cracks coming from?” Ivallen narrows his eyes and tosses a dagger at a nearby fissure. As it makes contact, it warps and shatters into particles. He immediately turns to Sophie.

“Use your eyes, find a nearby rift we can jump through.” Sophie scans around us, her eyes blazing bright red. 

“Nyx and Julius once she finds a nearby rift, I need you guys to break through wherever she points to! I'll figure out our landing!” The cracks continue growing, getting closer, and closer as the seconds pass. Sophie finishes her scan and points beneath our feet. Immediately Julius summons a maul of bone, and tosses spiked gauntlets towards me. Transforming into the werewolf form, I put on the gauntlets, and we began pounding against the rift trying to smash through. Seconds felt like forever until cracks of red formed beneath us as our final blows broke through the rift like glass. Falling through the red crack as shadowy tendrils begin to envelop in bone-chilling darkness. As we are released from the shadows, our shoes sink into red sand. Looking around us, the sand seems to stretch on forever. Looking to the group

“Where are we?” Evette goes to the instructor, who's collapsed on the ground, shifting in and out of visibility, and begins a healing chant on him. Sophie looks around a bit frantic, Julius still has his maul in hand. We aren't in the light domain, and this isn't home. What could cause a rift to stop and begin cracking? Sophie places her book in her bag and pulls out her pistol and says

“We are in the Fire Domain. How's the instructor?” looking over, he seems more solid, but his eyes are still closed. Evette finishes up and says.

“ He’s better now, he's unconscious due to ability overuse. He should wake up in a few hours.” Sophie rustles in her bag and pulls out a compass.

“ We are in the Blood Sand desert, if we head west for a few miles we'll find a town we can stop to rest for the night.” I pick up Ivallen, and we begin making our way west. 

A few hours pass as the midday sun blazes overhead, the sand moving with each step. Sweat stinging my eyes, the others don't seem to be doing any better. Sounds of scuttling in the distance, Sophie looks around and her eyes flare once more. 

“Pick up the pace everyone, we have a giant scorpion right behind us. There's one mile till we get to the town.” Evette places one of Ivallens arms over her shoulder and everyone begins sprinting towards the west. The screeching behind us gets louder and Sophie fires her pistol. The bullets seem to bounce off the hardshell. 

“Nyx, me and Evette can take the professor to the town. My bullets aren't doing anything at the moment. Can you and Julius stall them while we get help?” 

Looking behind at the scorpion that is slowly catching up. A giant red scorpion, almost the size of a human. I nod to Sophie and hand her the professor, Werewolf Form! 

“I'll try to hold it off as long as I can.” Both of them rush while carrying Ivallen. Julius stays behind, absorbing the maul and replacing it for two war hammers. Taking a deep breath before bolting towards this beast, claws extended. Moving to its side punching with my left against its shell. Crack! A small break is exposed in the shell, but the left arm is now numb. The scorpion whips around slamming it's tail to my side, tossing me a short distance backwards. Julius swings his hammers down on the shell, two bigger cracks form. The scorpion screeches and swings a dripping stinger at Julius while he's on the ground. Leaping towards the scorpion as he strikes down trying to push it off balance. Shoving it from its side tipping it by a bit causing it's stinger to land in the sand near Julius. Continuing my onslaught shoving and clawing at the cracks making them wider and wider. The scorpion turns its focus towards me, its claws and stinger swinging wildly. These strikes are getting slower and slower until Julius slams the hammers with a loud. Crunch! The scorpion falls to the sand, not moving. The adrenaline leaves, and exhaustion takes its place, Julius absorbs his hammers, and forms a single dagger. 

“Nyx has someone ever taught you to fight?” looking towards the west I reply

“Uhm, no. No one has.” scratching his head, while tossing his dagger in the air and catching it.

“No wonder your fighting looks unorthodox, you fight more like an animal. I'd be willing to teach you some fighting styles if you'd like.”  Clouds of dust and sand up ahead are coming towards. Standing up, brushing off the sand.

“Thanks. When would we start training?” Dagger now sheathed at his side, Julius says

“Not sure, maybe tonight. Don't think I'll be going easy on you.” chuckling a bit. The sounds of horses galloping are getting closer to us. The riders wear tanned leather and a white cloth covering their face, exposing only their eyes. Not sure what to do, I clench my fists. Jellyfish Venom! Julius has his dagger ready, both of us tense. Two riders walk up with Evette and Sophie riding behind them. Evette says

“We brought reinforcements but, it looks like you dealt with it. Any injuries? 

A bit out of breath but, glad everyone's fine, I say. “I'm just a bit sore. How are you feeling Julius? That scorpion threw you kinda far.” Julius chuckles and gives a light punch before saying.

“I'm fine but I'm pretty sure it threw you even further than me.” the riders just look amongst themselves a bit confused. Glancing around at the group it's just riders, Evette, and Sophie.

“Is the Instructor ok?” Both of them nod, Sophie adds

“We left him at a hotel resting, after telling the front desk we were Eos Students. Hop on one of the horses, they'll take us to the town of Ember.” Julius sheathes his blade and hops on a horse behind a rider. Dissipating the venom from my arms before hopping on a horse and heading off to town

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Getting over the final hill, and finally seeing the walled-off town of Ember. Getting to the wall, the guards take out a striped flag, and wave it. The guards on the wall lower the gate and let us in. Walking on brick roads, at the sides of us various vendors are selling, meats, jewelry, cloth, spices. Passing by the blocks with various vendors, and we stop in front of a two-story brick building. Sophie and Evette hop off, and walk inside. Slowly getting off the horse, legs tight, and sore, Julius also seems to be struggling. As we both make our way inside, limping after my first horse ride, the light fragrance of cinnamon floats through the air. Following the smell to a kitchen where a pot of rice, milk and cinnamon are all bubbling together. Rice Pudding! Definitely grabbing some later. Trying to catch up with the three, going up a flight of stairs, walking to the far side of the hall where they're waiting, looking relieved. Evette informs us.

“He’s just now waking up.” Releasing a sigh before I ask

“Should we head inside or, let him-.” Steps are heard going to the door and opening it. Instructor Ivallen while leaning on a came, looks at us and says

“Let's get started on today's lesson, shall we.” He makes his way to the end of the hallway before waving us to him. Curious on what the lesson will be. I make my way to him and the others follow behind. As we walk down the stairs Ivallen says

“ Today's lesson will be learning about the Fire domain. Learning the culture and possibly meeting some people with abilities. I've visited the town before so we'll stop by and visit an old friend. From there I'll teach you the second part of the lesson.” Getting to the main floor he goes to the front and asks for coffee, before joining us at the entrance. Checking the others, most of us look sunburnt and exhausted. Depending on the lesson this might not end up too well. I think I can do two more transformations before my limit. Slowly walking towards the guard station near the wall. Walking inside it suddenly gets eerily quiet, the guards and soldiers stare as we make our way to the attendant. Ivallen immediately asks.

“Could I have a meeting with Captain Kane?” the attendant blinks a bit, looking at our group, looking confused as ever before saying.

“He's currently on an expedition. Who are you, Other Domainers?” Pointing to us. Ivallen answers, smiling.

“Im Instructor Ivallen and these are my students from Eos.” The attendant, still confused, shrugs his shoulder before asking.

“What will the meeting be about Ivallen?” Ivallen responds with. 

“Instructor Ivallen, and that meeting is a private matter” The attendant says

“Well,I don't think-- ” the door opens and a man with short red hair, in a red suit of armor steps inside, and the soldiers stand up saluting. The attendant with wide eyes says.

“Um Captain, I didn't expect you to be here so soon. How did your expedition go sir?” The Captain waves off the question and turns to our instructor smiling.

“Ivallen, what the hell are you doing in Ember?” Ivallen shakes his hand

“Not much Kane, guess I decided to stop by. I've got something to tell you, it just needs to be somewhere private.” Captain Kane nods and turns to the soldiers that are still standing.

“Go out and patrol, the town won't be safe if you guys are just standing there, doing nothing.” Immediately they rush to don their armor and march outside. He turns to the attendant 

“Charles, could you leave as well.” The attendant nods, clenching his fist, as he walks outside. The Captain turns to us and says.

“What would you like to talk about.” as he grab a stool and sits down. Ivallen says.

“We took a rift to the Water Domain, but something made it stop and crack. I had those three help in breaking through the rift and we landed here.” The captain narrows his eyes and says

“Rifts aren't supposed to stop or crack, can the Rift to the Water Domain work?

Ivallen shakes his head “I don't know” the captain also says 

“What about the Light Domain, can it still be accessed?” Ivallen again shakes his head. 

“I’m not sure, I've never seen those cracks form anywhere. I'm not sure how the Light domain or Water Domain are at the moment. Where are the nearest Rift Jumpsites Kane?” he scratches his head while getting up and going behind a counter, and picking up a bottle. Pouring it into six glasses as he says

“The closest are in Everflame which is a 3 days travel by sandrider. I can request some but. With my standing in the military, it could take a day or two for those vehicles to arrive here in Ember.” Handing off the glasses filled with dark liquid to the group. Picking up the glass, swirling it, and a light scent of grape escapes. Drinking, while glancing at the others. Julius’s glass is quickly finished as it's handed to him, Sophie is slowly drinking it, pausing and savoring it. Looking at Evette, she hasn't touched her glass. She's blinking rapidly and wiping her eyes with her hands. Moving my seat closer to hers, what do I do? 

“Want to walk outside with me for a bit?” Hand outstretched, waiting while the two talk. Nodding, she grabs hold of my hand, and we make our way to the door. Julius says 

“Nyx.” turning around he gets up and hands me a bone dagger in a sheath.

“Be careful out there, some Fire Domainers don't like people from other domains roaming around. Be wary.” Placing the dagger to my side, and nodding to him before going outside. The sun is starting to set outside with it's shades of peach, lilac and blue blending together. Looking behind about to say something as tears begin forming in Evettes silver eyes. Walking to a nearby bench and sitting down she says

“Nyx, I'm scared. I don't know if my mother and father are safe I-” sobs making it difficult to speak. Looking at the necklace she gave me before saying.

“We both made a promise to get stronger. Do you remember? I don't know what's going on, and it feels like it's all happened so suddenly. The rift breaking, ending up here of all places, but we can get back, once we get those sandriders.” Evette laughs a bit during the sobbing as she says.

“Nyx, not to make you feel bad but, you aren't really good at this.” Looking back on what I said, chuckling a bit before saying

“I could tell you about a transformation I haven't done in front of anyone before if you'd like.” she wipes her eyes before sitting up and nodding. Closing my eyes, remembering the trees in the Water Domain. A small animal scampers  through the trees hopping from branch to branch. Taking a breath before thinking Chipmunk. Slowly shrinking while on the bench, as Evettes eyes widen. Shifting back to normal, as she asks 

“Chipmunk? When were you able to do that?” 

“I read about chipmunks and learned what I could about them. It was one of my first Shifts when I was a kid.” Sniffling has stopped for a bit as she asks

“Can you transform into other animals?” 

“I can only do four animals, chipmunk, wolf, jellyfish, and owl.” looking at Evette, tears now gone I ask

“Back at the hotel, there was someone cooking rice pudding. Want to ask if we can get some?” she smiles a bit and says 

“Sure, do you think it's ok though? They're still inside.” slowly remembering the path to get to the hotel.

“It's not far from here, we could go and come back.” After agreeing to go and come back we walk to the hotel and knock on the kitchen door. A lady with her red hair in a bandana opens it, and we purchase some rice pudding and make our way back. It's dark when we go back inside and everyone is about to leave. Going to Julius and Sophie I ask

“What did we miss?” Julius is grinning before saying

“Ivallen is going to let us spar with some Ember guards tomorrow morning.” surprised at the news, I handed him back his dagger. Ivallen looks at his watch, and smiles. 

“Alright everyone, quick lesson, at what times are Domainers at their strongest.”

Evette says

“Light domain is strongest Midday” Sophie says

“Fire Domain is strongest in the Summer” Julius says

“Earth Domain is strongest in the Fall” I say

“Water Domain is strongest in the Winter” Ivallen finishes it up by saying

“Air is strongest in the Spring, and Dark Domain is strongest at Midnight. Let's get back quickly to the hotel, so you guys can rest up and get ready for tomorrow. Hold on.” Ivallen smiles as the shadows in the room condense around us and envelope us each separately. Going through this cold, shadow travel. The shadows open up and disperse leaving me in my own separate room at the hotel. Looking at the necklace one last time before falling asleep and dreaming.

     Looking through a gas mask as someone's hands placed on the rift floor causing violet cracks form and spread. In the distance I hear

“Instructor, where are these damn cracks coming from?” walking away from the rift and into an obscure fog, people fallen over unconscious. Walking to a back exit where the mask is thrown away. The dreams shifts to tanks of a purple liquid in a dimly lit room with a bold letter A on the glass.