Raptarus couldn’t see or smell anything. He could feel
his body floating in this place that lacked both gravity and light.
“Raptarus” A voice filled the darkness.
“Who said that?” he asked, pointlessly scanning the all-encompassing
void.
“I Did.” The voice was everywhere and nowhere all at
once.
“And who are you?” He asked, beginning to get annoyed.
“I am the nightmare of possibility that exists just
beyond the edge of every light in the universe.” The voice did not echo, it was
just there, even and ever present. His annoyance gave way to the slight chill
of fear.
“Stygian.” He whispered.
“So, you have heard of me.” The voice seemed pleased.
“I cannot imagine there is a living warrior who has
not heard the only name on the lips of death.” Raptarus offered reverently.
“And what would a warrior give to swear fealty to that
name?” The question settled into an empty space in Raptarus’s heart that he had
never known or even dreamed existed.
“I would die to serve the hand of darkness.” Raptarus admitted.
“That you have already done I require, more.” The
voice demanded.
“I would bring you the heads and hearts of all those would
stand against you.” Raptarus offered.
“This would please me greatly.” Stygian admitted.
“Then it shall be done.” Raptarus bowed but realized
it was pointless in the darkness.
“Do agree so quickly. I Require the shattered remnants
of Lumarion. Extinguish the light that guides others to peace and prosperity.”
Stygian demanded.
“Gladly my lord.”
“This is no easy task. I expect you to fail
pathetically before I arrive.”
Raptarus clenched his unseen fist. ‘I will see the
Shades of Justice and Lumarion dead with my own eyes!”
“That is impossible. One of your eyes belongs to me
now. But in its plae you will find possibility. Darkness so black you can call
upon the void for nearly anything you might want to accomplish your task.”
Stygain offered.
“With this weapon, I shall sunder the earth.” Raptarus
yelled at the void.
“I didn’t say it wouldn’t hurt.” Stygian amended.
There was no telling how far Raptarus’s screams made it into the void as Stygian implanted the shard of possibility into his now empty eye socket.
