Darkness Approaches

The Door To The Mysts

Gabriel arrived at the fire islands.
He looked around, surveying his surroundings.
A few lava golems were lurking around, but no great danger.
Hades walks up behind Gabriel.
- You needn't linger in the shadows, Hades. I know you there.
- So, you finally decided to grace us with your presence.
(...) I see that you are absolutely determined to go through with this. (...) You never learn Gabriel.
- Do you prefer to bring an end to everything the Gods created? ... including yourself.
- This isn't my work. (...) Do you have any idea how little say I actually had in this... creation?
- The humans don't deserve to die.
- They don't deserve to live either!
- ...and who dictates their fate!? You? You who actually brought the darkness on them on the first place... you who on a jealous whim decided to poison a pure race.
- Pure? Based on who's ideas and principles?
Do you think the Gods are noble? Altruistic? Their agenda was the same as ours!
You... Gabriel, always so pure and uncorrupted. Your self righteous indignation brought you here, I counted on it.
- I do blame myself... not for failing the humans. But for my mistake of not killing you when I had the chance.
Hades approaches Gabriel close.
- Then do it now, brother.
Even if you succeed; you won't change anything.
You will lose this war.
- I wish it didn't have to come to this, brother. But here's someone I'd like you to meet.
Sebastian had just flown down and landed right beside Gabriel.
- Fine! I'll take on both of you.
Uriel flies down, just to the left of them.
- Three...
Hades looks at Uriel in disbeleif for a brief moment, but quickly comes to his senses.
- I should have known that you wouldn't have the guts to carry out this mission. You're too weak.
- No. I was blinded by anger for failing to protect the human you ordered to kill.
- Oh! Him!?
- Yes, him. Just like you have been planing to eliminate all the other Envoys one by one.
This ends here... Hades.
The three angels attacked Hades in a fierce battle of Light VS Darkness.
Sunlight spells and swords collided with dark magic.
Hades made an attempt to persuade them to change their minds.
- You can't kill me. The world needs to be in balance. I am that balance.
- No. You're just lost. I am the way, either you follow the light, or perish.
Gabriel stated as he pointed his Sunlight blade fowards.

Hades was just about to summon dark shades when Uriel attacked him from behind.
- Here, have a taste of your own medicine.
Hades was impaled with a dark imbued sword.

Tired and out of breath, Hades went down on his knees, mumbling that they can't kill a God.
It was impossible.
Uriel explained that Rioko, his creation has been draining his power without him realising.
Hades lifted his head to look at Uriel.
- You... you knew this... you bastard.
I embraced you like a son...
- You said it yourself. Everything must come to an end... even you.

Hades falls down and disappear in a thin cloud of smoke.
Uriel told Gabriel to carry on through the door to awake the djinn.
There were still demons to fight and time was of the essence.
Then he and Sebastian flew away back into the battle.

Gabriel stepped through the door, just like a warp gate, it seemed, brought him into another world.

He walked through a stone bridge above a very deep chasm.
No trouble for him of course, being a winged creature.
However, you could never be to certain.
On the other side, an obelisk stood tall. A hand shaped fissure glowed of a plasma green, inviting the instigator to place their hand over it.
He hesitated only a second.
Placed his hand in the lock in order to open the door.
He looked around but quickly rushed through the door.
A tunnel revealed itself, going down to the djinn chambers.
Gabriel opened his wings and glided down the steep slope tunnel.

The djinn were in a dormant state.
He questioned himself one last time, if it was the right decision.
He looked to see if there was a clear sign or indication of a learship somewhere.

"Crimson Blaze."
He said. "I recognise him."

Gabriel touched the capsule in order to open it.
Crimson felt the fresh air.
He slowly opened his eyes.
- Who dares?
- Blaze... it's me, Gabriel.
- Gabriel... is the world in chaos?
- Yes, you could say that.

Crimson slowly walked out the chamber.
- I'd imagine there's a good reason for you to be here. (...)
The world is in chaos?
(...)
... and I presume that you want us to clean up your mess!?
- There are certain aspects of our... profession; that, as you know, does not allow us to go beyond a certain point.
- Is that what it is?
(...)
Is it not that you do not wish to sacrifice yourselves, in order to accomplish your mission?
Let me see... Djinns willing to do your dirty work are cheaper, than otherwise...
- Crimson, I assure you that I have the world's integrity at best interest.
- ... Be that as it may, you, my friend risk to much, coming down here and bluntly request our aid without the slightest intention to offer anything in return.
- I thought you cared about the world and all its living creatures...
- Aye... we helped build it, along side the Gods. We brought the elements. Nothing more.
- The elements are essencial for the world's balance... as so are you.
- You have spoken very elegantly, Gabriel, but your love for humanity blinds you of the truth.
The world goes through cycles. Just like a phoenix. It dies, and then reborns... from its ashes... better than it was. More apt to what is offered to it. It evolves. Becomes stronger.
Humans on the other hand.
- I will sacrifice myself.

Crimson stops talking and moving. Ponders for a few seconds than turns to face Gabriel.
- You will do that for humanity?
- Yes, Yes I will.
- Hm... (...) Well, If you are willing to give up everything for humanity, we can't do no less.
I know you are a man of honour.
I believe you... so we shall help.
However, be warned... somewhere along the line, if any of you give me a reason to change my mind... well, you know the consequences.
We are, after all Djinn. We are the balance guardians.
- I will do my best; Blaze.
- You go on ahead and meet with your people. We need time to prepare. Convincing others won't be as easy. It's better that you are not here.
- Understood.

Gabriel left and went back to meet the others.

Meanwhile, Hades was observing what was happening outside, while getting ready for the final strike.