Elementals: For Made Of Power, The World's Loyalness And Bravery

Punishment of the Dead

Cory's POV-
Before us a man appeared, someone who none of us could recognize. "Who are you? What are you doing here?!" Adam yelled, half out of curiosity and half cautiousness. "You all must have heard of me by now. I'm Andres, the Forbidden Holder of Denial. You all have been separated from the previous Generation because of your trials, which begin now. I have been instructed to choose the first. You all will be able to watch, of course. I understand the need for a good show." Andres seemingly taunted, though his intentions seem unclear. Is this really him? Could this be a trick from the Masterminds? Though, if he is who he claims, then one of us is first. But, we don't even know what to expect... Anything is possible, after all. The Forbidden Holders were the ones who created the world, so they hold the power.

Andres's POV-
I have already chosen who I want. It was easy. All of us have already met together, planning for this exact event. One person in particular was easy to predict. However, I want to see how Cory acts during this. He is cunning, yet internally fragile. He places his care in very specific places and blocks the rest. I'm curious of how his trial will end. So many possibilities. Sure, I could just check, I help to determine this world's future. But, it's more interesting to watch and see. Visuals can provide things words never could. "You all see to doubt me. I am truly Andres of Denial. Though, I've had my choice in trial from the very beginning." I told them, hoping to gain their understanding. "And that would be?" Katrina asked. "Cory, you will be the first pawn." I announced, in a flash, he disappeared. Let the Death trial begin.

Third Person POV-
An internal battle rips the skin of every survivor, eating them whole. After all, one's worst enemy is their own reflection. His entity is that to him, every piece of himself that doesn't fit in to the puzzle. Everyone denies death, claiming it cannot grip them within it's grasp, but all holders have seen it firsthand. Death is imminent, it cannot be stopped, only paused. Those who live deny its presence in the words of false gods and saviors. They sacrifice themselves in the name of salvation and enternal peace. He doubts every action made, in fear he will harm them. With fear that he'll harm her. Just like they did to him before. Just like he did to her before. His entity pulls at his strings for his own bidding, poisoning the minds of anyone who gets in his way. Clouds darken until the rain pours out with the lightning, anger, sadness, and pain. Anxiety seeps into the soul of anyone with an idea to spare. Who will it hurt? Who will it help? The only way to see the light is to see it through the shining eyes of another person.

Cory's POV-
I knew not to listen to the blackened void, trying to grab hold of me. But, how are you not destined to hear a sound that pierces your skull? Words that you've repeated to yourself countless times? They held me like chains, choking out anything. How I could possibly fight back? Do I deserve to? The control kept shifting back and forth. Me. Him. Me. Him. My vision flickered like broken lights, the broken lights within me. Next thing I knew I was falling, the walls crawled closer and closer to me. I was suffocating. There would be nothing left of me by the time it stopped. There would only be him. He'll kill them all, won't he? I'll be gone and so will they. I will die being no help at all, or I'll live with no purpose. Stuck behind my own eyes, wishing to be dead while trapped inside. My skin stabbed into me, spikes cutting me deeper. I couldn't even make a sound anymore. I'm drowning in myself, I always have been. My throat burned, I could taste the fire within. I could smell the smoke as it filled me, continuing to envelop me. I'll be gone, and nothing will be left.

Third Person POV-
They watched as Shelby disappeared, collectively knowing she had a plan. She appeared within the space, and could see in front of her what damage had been done. She had to help him. He was turned away from her, but she could sense it. The pain that lingered. She hugged him from behind, holding him to her. Angel wings sprouted from her back. It had returned, for the first time in forever. As she gripped him she could feel it all. The anguish began to drain into her, tears spilling from her face like a stream flowing through the Earth. Her empathy was a power to her as well. She intended to share his pain. She would help him, as he has helped her all this time. He had saved her from her possession, as well as herself. If he dies, she would die with him.

Cory's POV-
It began to slip away, bit by bit. At first it didn't click, as my mind had been overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings. It's Shelby. She's here. How, I'm unsure. I had turned to her, her wings were tinted black at the bottom, crawling up her. She's taking it in, to help me. I wanted to stop her, as it was obviously hurting her, but she wouldn't let me. Despite everything, I understood what she meant. We carry our burdens together because we can't carry them alone. I smiled to her, then summoned my scythe. In a clean swipe, I struck the entity, and it vanished. I had always struggled fighting it back, but this time is different. I'm not alone, and I never have to be. All of my friends are supporting me from the sideline, and Shelby is here to pick me up when I fall. The space vanished, both of us back where we began, at the cabin.

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