Beyond the Rift ✔ (Completed)

Chapter 46: The Man from Aether

The blue washed filter tints the building and its surrounding like a spotlight. The wind has died. Thunder muffled in the distant. It's sound reminds me of the time when one wakes up midafternoon on a harsh rainy day, where the rain drums the tin roofs and muddy streets; battering the newly grown plants to dead. However, the person in the comfort of their home is untouched; still scared lifeless.

This part of the town is quiet and unusually dry. The rain nor the earthquakes had affected the college campus. The site is as abandoned as a burial ground. The courts are empty, the flags fallen to the poles.

"Well, nothing out of the ordinary." I say cynically as I peer at the dingy entrance from the window of our car. I can't comprehend the fact that it has been almost a one and a half month ago, that I walked in there; carefree and partially happy.

"Yeah, a bit to quiet. He is definitely here." Ethan pulls his knife from his back-pocket. He takes a long look at it before turning to face me.

"So, Ass-modeus has been here the whole time? Camping in my high school?" I intentionally pronounce the ass in his name.

"And, the place where the barrier between the Aether and the earth is the thinnest. Are you sure about this plan?"

"No." I reply blatantly. There is no surety about anything, so why pretend? "But, we have to try."

"I have a grave feeling about this. He said he needs you; he knows something."

"I'm sure he knows a ton. Just pray he doesn't know about the crystal." I try to sound calm.

"Are you ready?" Ethan asks me one last time.

I place my hand on the door knob and turn it open.

"Here goes nothing."

...

Our footsteps echo on the wooden floor, which is once, aesthetically pleasing. The stillness of the building sends a chill down my spine and reminds me of something out of my nightmares. The darkness of the evening itself is warning me to turn around. The ominous sound of water dripping in the bathroom sink, also surrounds our troubled minds; it's melody, eerie. I do not want to be here. This is the last place I want to be. Unfortunately, it is my fault I'm here, my doing, there is no going back now.

After a couple of minutes, we halt before the door with a 'Gymnasium' metal plate nailed on it. I grab the knob and turn it.

The door opens swiftly. As the evening tint travels through the windows, it shimmers the lustrous flooring of the basketball court. Few paper cups lay scattered across the vacant stands, couple of towels thrown in the first row. The school must've shutdown abruptly.

Ethan walks towards the center of the court, while I follow in his wake.

"You think they were here?" Ethan's speech echoes as his eyes search the room.

"I felt the energy radiating from this part of the building." I reply. "But, now it feels like it's gone."

"You think they left?" Ethan asks.

"There you are!"

Ethan and I snap our neck towards the entrance. The wicked laugh follows his spiteful words; his accent deceiving just like his acts.

"Nick." I call him out, I keep my tone calm, but my pulse quickens with anger at his sight.

"You shouldn't have come here mates." Nick starts to stride leisurely while he speaks.

"Wait until I burn you to your bones, you..." Ethan marches at Nick, his wrist on fire. No! what is he doing? I instantly throw my arm out to stop him. I look into his glare and furrow my brows. This is not what we are here for. He glances at Nick and back at me.