𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑|𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞

𝟏. 𝑯𝒐𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓

Iron Mask was laying down on a bedroll. He was sleeping. However his soul  was somewhere else.

Iron Mask looked around, wondering where he was. It was dark and nothing but the sound of many muffled cries.

“Where am I…?” Iron Mask said out loud. He was expecting an answer but he got none. This was an odd thing to happen. Usually he only has that strange dream of a woman's voice calling out to him.

“Ah. So you're here.” A voice called out. A boy with his hands in his pockets appeared out of the darkness, just like that.

Iron Mask looked at the newcomer. This boy appeared before him. He looked rather youthful but, there was an odd aura around him that made Iron Mask feel uneasy.

“Sheesh. It's about time you make it here, Iron Mask…” The boy got closer to Iron Mask and inspected the taller male. “Or should I say Alphen?”

“Alphen?” Iron Mask repeated. “My name is Alphen?”

“Yes it is.” The boy chirped with a smile on his face. He started walking circles around Alphen. “How does it feel to know you have a name?”

“Feels…Feels good.” Alphen said. “Though, do you know where we are? All I see is darkness and what seems like…crying.”

The boy stopped walking and stood right next to Alphen. “That's because we are in a plane of existence called “The Crossroads.” Amazing right?”

“The Crossroads? I never heard of that before…” Alphen mentioned. He didn't hear of this place at all. Not even the Renans spoke of it or the Dahnans.

“That's because it's a place that nobody remembers whenever they wake up. The Crossroads…You have three paths. You can either go to Heaven, Hell, Or Back to your body.” The boy explained.

“What about the crying I'm hearing?” Alphen said. “Who are those?”

“Ah those…” The boy sounded emotionless at the mentioning of the multiple crying. “Souls that lost their way by wandering off in the dark. Never to return and forever stuck.”

“But…You came out of the dark didn't you? How are you not—”

“It's because I'm a special case. I was “Born” here.”  The boy said.

“Born…Here? How's that possible?” Alphen asked.

“Hell. I don't know. My guess is the same as yours. All I remember is being here and growing up in this place.” The boy said. “Oh! Right! I haven't introduced myself..”

The boy stood in front of Alphen. “I'm Y/N L/N. I guess you can consider me a “Guide” for souls.”

“Well…Uh…It's nice to meet you Y/N. How old are you, by the way?” Alphen asked. “You look young…”

Y/N snorted and that snort transitioned into a small laugh. Y/N was short, at least 5 '1".  He had to look up to Alphen. “I guess it's because of my height? I might look young but trust me I am not. I'm Eighteen years old.”

“Eighteen?!” Alphen recoiled in shock. He didn't expect to see an Eighteen (18) year old  boy be THAT size. “I swear I thought you were—”

“A kid?” Y/N finished his sentence. “Yeah. That's understandable considering my height. Anyways. Enough about me. It's time for you to choose.”

“Choose what?” Alphen asked.

Y/N facepalmed. “To choose where you want to go. Do you wish to go to one of the Afterlives or return to your body?”

“Oh! Right…ehe.” Alphen started to think. Where should he go. “ I think…I'll return to my body.”

Y/N nodded. Understanding his decision. “You made up your mind quickly. Good. However there is one little problem.”

“Oh? What is it?” Alphen asked. He was curious to what the problem was. “Whatever the problem is. We can solve it.”

“Yeah.. The problem is…” Y/N looked at Alphen, his friendly demeanor changing into a cold demeanor. “Did you really think you had a choice….?”

“......Huh?” Alphen let out.  Immediately arms and hands shot out of the darkness, grabbing onto Alphen. The iron grip made it hard for Alphen to break free. “What are you doing!”

The arms threatened to pull Alphen into the darkness.

“Dummy. Dummy dummy!” Y/N suddenly giggled. “You didn't even find it weird you were pulled here?!”

“You said that this was “The Crossroads!” You said it's a place where souls  are  guided!” Alphen shouted.

“True.” Y/N said. “However, that is not the true name of this place. It was more-so to get you relaxed. The true name of this place is “The Hostile Dark.” A place where souls are consumed by the darkness and could only cry and scream.”

“Then all these cries…These…souls.” Alphen connected the dots.

“Are victims of the Hostile Dark.”

“You monster!” Alphen roared. “Are you just going to keep tricking innocent souls! Is this some kind of fun to you?!”

Y/N waved his finger. “No.. Because this is my last time doing so.”

“What do you mean?” Alphen struggled.

“Your body. It's amazing and compatible with the things I have. It's perfect for me. Alphen…While you are forever stuck here, consumed by Darkness. I will take over your body.” Y/N said with a big smile.

Alphen. He felt fear. His body was going to be taken away from him..! This wasn't right!

“You can't! Damn it! DON'T DO THIS!” The sound of fear, desperation, and helplessness. It all came from Alphen.

It was like music to Y/N’s ears.  “Don't worry Alphen, I'll take good care of your body for you.” Y/N peered into the darkness, as if he was looking at something.

“Take him.” Y/N said.

“NO! DON'T…!” Alphen was pulled into the dark. “Y/NNNNNN-”

Alphen’s voice was cut off by the Darkness. Y/N stared into the darkness where Alphen was pulled into.

A bright door appeared with the name: “Alphen” on it. Y/N walked to it and pushed open the door. Nothing but brightness. He smiled.

“Time to say hello to my new life.” Y/N walked in the door and was consumed by the light.

“As Alphen.”