Adventures Beyond The Void (Season 1)

Chapter 49: Corruption

3RD POV

Sunlight spilled across a wide golden field, tall grass swaying in the breeze like waves on a shimmering sea. The air was full of warmth, birds chirping, wind humming, and the distant chatter of a small village preparing for the harvest. Laughter cut through it all. A 10-year-old Sirius darted through the field, cheeks flushed with joy, a tiny axe clutched in his hand. He swung it clumsily, sparks of harmless orange magic flaring around with every movement. His giggles echoed as he spun, jumped, and nearly tripped, only to burst into louder laughter. He was glowing with joy. Suddenly, a deep, familiar voice called out to him.

     ???: - SIRIUS! CAREFUL WITH THAT AXE, KIDDO!

Sirius spun toward the sound. A man stood several meters away; broad-shouldered, strong, with the same flaming orange/red hair and bright orange eyes. His grin was wide, warm, the kind of smile that made everything in the world feel safe. Sirius bolted toward him.

     Sirius: - Dad!! Look! Look at my new move!

The man lifted him easily, spinning him once in the air before pressing a loud, playful kiss to his cheek. Sirius squealed with delight.

     Father: - NEW MOVE?! SHOW ME, MY LITTLE CHAMPION!!

His voice boomed with the same energy his son had; enthusiastic, full of pride. But before Sirius could demonstrate, another gentle voice floated toward them.

     ???: - You two are going to shake the whole field with your shouting.

Walking up the small hill behind them was a woman with long, floral-colored hair, petals of soft pink, lavender, and pale gold blending like a blooming garden. Her eyes matched, warm and bright. One hand pressed against her very pregnant belly. Sirius slipped from his father's arms and sprinted to her instead.

    Sirius: - Mama! Mama, look what I learned!

She laughed softly, brushing her fingers through his bright hair. Her voice was gentle and kind.

     Mother: - Alright, my little star. Show us.

Sirius took a deep breath, his small face turned serious now in the way only children can be, and raised the toy axe above his head. Orange light flared to life around it. Then, he swung. A small wave of flame magic rolled out, stirring the grass in a perfect circle around him. It was destructive. It was beautiful.

     Father: - THAT'S MY BOY!!

The mother beamed, eyes shining with pride.

     Mother: - That was perfect.

The boy glowed brighter than the sun itself. He ran back into their arms, the three of them folding into a warm, laughing embrace. The father ruffled his hair; the mother kissed his forehead. The wind carried the sound of their joy across the field. And Sirius was smiling....

So brightly....

So full of life....

So.....

Dead.

Nicholas stared at Sirius's dead body. His mind refusing to accept the reality of the situation. The ringing in his ears was almost deafening, broken only by the sound of approaching footsteps.