Call of the Abyss

chapter 3: New Friend

Under the cloak of an overcast afternoon, Louis and Kyle made their way to a quiet part of Muntinlupa, where the city's pulse gave way to the whisper of old tales and secrets. They were to meet Tom at a library that seemed almost forgotten by time, its walls lined with books that held stories of the past, present, and sometimes, the otherworldly.

As they entered, they found Tom in a secluded corner, engrossed in a book that looked as ancient as the shelves it had come from. He was a man of medium build, with eyes that seemed to carry a depth beyond his years, and an aura of calm collectedness.

"Tom?" Kyle called out, breaking the silence of the library.

Tom looked up, his gaze shifting from the book to the two young men approaching him. A slight smile formed on his face, "Kyle, I was wondering when you'd arrive. And you must be Louis."

Louis nodded, a bit taken aback by Tom's demeanor. It was as if Tom had been expecting them, despite the peculiarity of their meeting.

"Let's find somewhere to talk," Tom suggested, leading them to a private study room within the library. Once seated, Louis wasted no time in pulling out his father's journal and the photograph, laying them on the table between them.

Tom's interest piqued as he examined the items. "This is fascinating," he murmured, tracing the symbols in the journal with his finger. "I've seen similar markings before. They're not just random drawings; they're part of a language. An old, very secretive language."

Louis's heart raced. "Can you read it?"

"Some of it," Tom admitted. "But understanding it is a different matter. These symbols, they speak of things beyond our normal comprehension. Eldritch things."

Kyle leaned in, concern etching his features. "So, what does it say? Is it dangerous?"

Tom closed the journal gently. "It speaks of a place, a nexus of power hidden within Muntinlupa. Your father was onto something, Louis. Something that many would prefer remained hidden."

The air in the room felt heavier as Tom's words sank in. Louis felt a mix of fear and determination. "My father, is he...?"

"I don't know," Tom confessed. "But I believe finding this nexus is the key to uncovering what happened to him."

"And you'll help us?" Louis asked, hope flickering in his eyes.

Tom nodded. "Yes, I'll help you. But we must be cautious. The knowledge your father stumbled upon... it's coveted by those who wish to harness it for their own ends."

The three of them sat in silence for a moment, each processing the gravity of the situation. They were no longer just friends uncovering a family mystery; they were guardians of a secret that could change everything.

"Alright, we do this together," Louis finally said, a resolve in his voice that matched the determination in his companions' eyes.

"As long as we're together, we've got a fighting chance," Kyle added, a supportive hand on Louis's shoulder.

Tom smiled, his gaze steady and reassuring. "Then let's begin our journey into the unknown. But remember, what lies ahead is as much about discovering the truth about your father as it is about understanding the nature of the eldritch. And in doing so, we might just discover more about ourselves."

As they left the library, the sky seemed to darken, a storm brewing on the horizon. It was as if the world itself was bracing for the revelations to come. Little did they know, the path they were about to walk would test them in ways they could hardly imagine.

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